Damn Yankees! (1967 film)

Damn Yankees! is a 1967 film adaptation of the hit 1955 Broadway musical of the same name. The musical itself is based on the novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant by Douglass Wallop. The film tells the story of Joe Boyd, a middle-aged, long-suffering Washington Senators baseball fan who makes a deal with the devil, Mr. Applegate, to become young Joe Hardy, a powerful hitter who can lead his beloved Senators to victory against the New York Yankees.

The film stars Gwen Verdon reprising her Tony Award-winning role as Lola, Ray Walston as Mr. Applegate, and Tab Hunter as Joe Hardy. It was directed by George Abbott, who also co-directed the original Broadway production. While the film retains many of the popular musical numbers from the stage show, including "Whatever Lola Wants," "You Gotta Have Heart," and "Two Lost Souls," it also features some notable differences, including a new opening number.

Unlike the stage production, the film was not a major commercial success, though it has remained a popular classic for musical theatre fans. It’s noted for its performances, particularly Verdon and Walston, and its faithful adaptation of the stage show's choreography and musical numbers.