It's a real stretch to give this Columbia "B" film six stars. It's quite hokey, with some amateurish acting by two of the male leads. But, the women's softball is just good enough to get it on first base. In Julie Bishop and Rita Hayworth, or their doubles, Columbia found some leads who could swing a bat and throw a ball. And, there's enough of the softball action with them and some other girls, to give this film some life and a lift.
The title refers to the ball diamond, and without it, the rest of this story and film would be such a drag and bore that most people would turn it off after just a few minutes. Charles Quigley plays Jimmy Jones, a sports writer who wants to be a crime reporter. But his lines are so dull and dumb, one wonders how he ever managed to be hired as a reporter at all. I think the writers were trying to give the impression that he was a naïve, but bright-eyed kid and hopeful. But he doesn't look the part of a young guy. His acting is very amateurish. Another major character is John Gallaudet as the bad guy, Foy Harris. But he's wooden half the time, and the rest of the time he waffles between self-assured and paranoid.
Joseph Crehan plays Jones's boss, Brophy. He's supposed to be an editor on the Hollywood paper. The only male character worth his salt is Lieutenant Flannigan, played by Guinn 'Big Boy' Williams. It says something of a studio and film when a character actor who is known for supporting roles as a dumb ox, tough cookie, or not too bright sidekick, is cast as one of the smartest characters in the film. Still, the screenplay gives him some lines that would make one wonder if he really did know a circle from a square.
Guinn's role, with that of the three leading women help carry the film. None of the female parts leap out, but in this case that's good because their acting is fair. It's most of the male roles that stand out because they are so poorly written and acted.
Anyway, this is a crime film of sorts, that is most interesting and saved by its time and footage with the women softball players, on and off the field. The only name that most movie buffs will recognize form this B film is Rita Hayworth who plays Sue Collins. She almost makes it to the end of the film. The film's not billed as a comedy, but some of the humorous dialog helps it a lot.
Here are the best lines in "Girls Can Play."
Jimmy Jones, "Maybe there's a criminal angle in the back of this ad. Something like that." Brophy, "Then I'd send a reporter. This is something even a sports writer can do. Beat it!" After Jones leaves, "That guy is just dumb enough and stubborn enough to make a swell news hound someday."
Ann Casey, "How would you like to be a hog riveter's wife in Cedar Rapids?"
Lieutenant Flannigan, "And Jimmy, keep on bein' dumb. I'm supposed to be stupid, but I'm still the youngest lieutenant on the force." Jimmy Jones, "I'll do that."
Lieutenant Flannigan, "Oh, no hurry. You and I are both dumb, so we work slow."
Lieutenant Flannigan, "We got a lotta pieces, son, but the edges don't quite fit."
