42 (2013)

In 1947, Jackie Robinson becomes the first African-American to play in Major League Baseball in the modern era when he was signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers and faces considerable racism in the process.

Director:

Brian Helgeland

Writer:

Brian Helgeland

Stars:

Chadwick Boseman, T.R. Knight, Harrison Ford

3 wins & 20 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Chadwick Boseman	...	Jackie Robinson
Harrison Ford	...	Branch Rickey
Nicole Beharie	...	Rachel Robinson
Christopher Meloni	...	Leo Durocher
Ryan Merriman	...	Dixie Walker
Lucas Black	...	Pee Wee Reese
André Holland	...	Wendell Smith (as Andre Holland)
Alan Tudyk	...	Ben Chapman
Hamish Linklater	...	Ralph Branca
T.R. Knight	...	Harold Parrott
John C. McGinley	...	Red Barber
Toby Huss	...	Clyde Sukeforth
Max Gail	...	Burt Shotton
Brad Beyer	...	Kirby Higbe
James Pickens Jr.	...	Mr. Brock

Storyline

In 1946, Jackie Robinson is a Negro League baseball player who never takes racism lying down. Branch Rickey is a Major League team executive with a bold idea. To that end, Rickey recruits Robinson to break the unspoken color line as the first modern African American Major League player. As both anticipate, this proves a major challenge for Robinson and his family as they endure unrelenting racist hostility on and off the field, from player and fan alike. As Jackie struggles against his nature to endure such abuse without complaint, he finds allies and hope where he least expects it.

---

Plot Keywords:

african american man | racial integration | pregnancy | jackie robinson character | reference to ty cobb | 

---

Taglines:

In a game divided by color, he made us see greatness.

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for thematic elements including language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kelley Jakle: the babysitter. Jakle is Branch Rickey's great-granddaughter.

---

Goofs

Halfway through the movie, when Wendell and Jackie are driving in New York, they are going west on 34th street. The Empire State Building and the New Yorker are on the same side of the street. In real life, the New Yorker is across the street.

---

Quotes

[last lines]
Wendell Smith: [typing his news story] Robinson rounds third, headed for home sweet home.

---

Connections

Featured in Top 5 Best/Worst: Top 5 Best Harrison Ford Performances (2016)

---

Soundtracks

Take Me Out To The Ballgame
Written by Albert von Tilzer and Jack Norworth
Performed by Ed Alstrom

User Reviews

An Inspiring Baseball Movie That Touches All the Bases

As Jackie Robinson was an excellent, multi-faceted baseball player, "42" is an excellent multi-faceted movie. Writer-director Brian Helgeland manages to artfully mix elements of drama, baseball action, humor and romance[!] while telling an important story about recent American history.

I thought it was wise for the film to focus on just a few years of Robinson's career, so that more time could be given to important scenes both on and off the field.

"42" is not called the "Jackie Robinson Story" for a reason. The movie is about more than just one man. The film shows the roles that Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), Robinson's wife Rachel (Nicole Beharie), and journalist Wendell Smith (Andre Holland) played in Robinson's career and life. All the actors give fine performances. And Chadwick Boseman is fantastic in portraying Robinson's determination, anxiety, anger, athleticism and courage.

I also appreciated the scenes that touched on the cultural climate in the nation. Watch for what happens between a father and his son when Robinson is introduced at a game in Cincinnati.

I thoroughly enjoyed "42". It's a film that that should be a game-winning hit with baseball fans, and those who appreciate civil rights and American history.

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 April 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

Untitled Jackie Robinson Project

Filming Locations:

Rickwood Field - 1137 2nd Avenue W, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$27,487,144, 14 April 2013

Gross USA:

$95,020,213

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$97,470,701

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., Legendary Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

128 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital Datasat SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1