Darren Michaels/20th Century Studios
Released in 2005, “Fever Pitch,” a romantic comedy by Peter and Bobby Farrelly, was based on a novel by Nick Hornby. The plot revolves around the romantic endeavors of a sensible businesswoman named Lindsey, played by Drew Barrymore, as she attempts to navigate a relationship with a jovial and charismatic schoolteacher named Ben, portrayed by Jimmy Fallon. A die-hard Boston Red Sox fan, Ben’s devotion to the team becomes a significant aspect of their relationship, with Lindsey needing to accept his passion and immerse herself in baseball.
Interestingly, Hornby’s original narrative revolved around Arsenal, an English football club, making the title “Fever Pitch” more relevant to the context of baseball.
While “Fever Pitch” wasn’t groundbreaking, it was a pleasant and feel-good film. Fallon’s comedic timing was adequate, and Barrymore, a radiant presence, had an on-screen chemistry that could rival any co-star. The film garnered a 66% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and grossed over $50 million at the box office.
However, “Fever Pitch” facilitated an intriguing reunion. Stephen King, a celebrated author and a massive Boston Red Sox fan, was roped in for a cameo by the Farrelly Brothers. In a brief scene, King can be seen donning his Red Sox jersey and tossing the first pitch at a significant game.
Though there’s no direct interaction between King and Barrymore, horror movie fans might remember that Barrymore’s early acting career included two significant Stephen King adaptations: “Firestarter” in 1984 and “Cat’s Eye” in 1985.
Barrymore’s Initial Acting Career and Stephen King Adaptations
Universal Pictures
Barrymore, hailing from an eminent acting lineage, made her on-screen debut as an infant, featuring in a dog food commercial. She later made a cameo in Ken Russell’s science fiction film “Altered States” before gaining public recognition through her role in Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial” at the tender age of six. This stint catapulted her to stardom, paving the way for more lucrative roles and even a hosting gig on “Saturday Night Live.”
In 1984, Barrymore was cast as Charlie McGee, a girl with the ability to manipulate fire, in Mark L. Lester’s thriller “Firestarter,” based on Stephen King’s 1980 novel. The movie revolves around a covert government lab known as the Shop conducting experiments on individuals to enhance their psychic abilities. Two psychics, portrayed by David Keith and Heather Locklear, escape from the Shop, get married, and have Charlie, all while on the run from Shop agents. As expected, they are found, leading to a fiery confrontation initiated by Charlie.
The subsequent year, Barrymore remained associated with King’s work, starring in Lewis Teague’s anthology film “Cat’s Eye.” In this movie, she portrays a young girl visited at night by a malevolent creature that emerges from a hole in her bedroom wall. The creature threatens to suffocate her, but is chased away by the family cat, General. Though “Cat’s Eye” didn’t make as big an impact as “Firestarter,” it was a familiar feature on cable TV throughout the 1980s.
While Barrymore hasn’t featured in any King adaptations since then, they undeniably laid the foundation for her acting career.
Stephen King – The Ultimate Boston Red Sox Fan
20th Century Studios
In 2007, King openly declared himself a die-hard fan of the Boston Red Sox, not just a casual supporter. He expressed his desire to be part of “Fever Pitch,” as he essentially resonated with Jimmy Fallon’s character. King even wrote an article for Entertainment Weekly, illustrating his passion for baseball and how it led to the creation of the baseball memoir “Faithful” alongside fellow enthusiast Stewart O’Nan. He proudly showcased his Red Sox credentials, writing:
“Fallon’s character has Red Sox sheets on his bed. I have a Red Sox comforter. Ben Wrightman has a Red Sox shower curtain. I have a Red Sox bath mat. We both have framed photographs of Carl Yastrzemski (although I also have — ahem — a signed Yaz ball). Judging from Ben Wrightman’s closet, we have roughly the same number of Red Sox shirts: say, two thousand apiece. (I draw the line at Yankee toilet paper, though.) And the best thing in my office? A mural on the ceiling that shows all of Fenway Park on a sunny summer day.”
Despite being from Maine, King’s love knows no boundaries.
The Farrelly brothers, also New England natives, frequently incorporate New England sports into their films. Recognizing the intensity of the Boston Red Sox fandom, they likely reached out to King, asking him to make an appearance and throw the opening pitch for their film. It’s plausible that King would have shown up regardless.
And so, the paths of Drew Barrymore’s early horror career and Stephen King’s baseball obsession intersected, bringing everything full circle.
Credit: www.slashfilm.com
