The Jackie Robinson Story (1950)

JACKIE ROBINSON "IS" THE RIGHT MAN TO GET THE JOB DONE!,
JACKIE ROBINSON "IS" THE RIGHT MAN TO GET THE JOB DONE!

OVERVIEW:

It has been said that the best 3 things about America are "The Constitution", "Jazz", and "Baseball". Well, in 1946 it was time for Major League Baseball to ante up and rise to join the big leagues. "The Jackie Robinson Story" is the tale of an important journey on that bumpy road that America, through Major League baseball, finally and convulsively faced.

WHAT IT'S ALL ABOUT?

Things anyone should be able to take for granted were considered out of the reach for too many Americans who were victims of a system that had hung around far too long. Jackie Robinson, by virtue of his talent and to a larger measure his solid character, was the right man at the right time to get the job done.

The "color line", an invisible wall that never should have been constructed, was voluntarily destructed but it was not easy. This film tells us how this barrier was approached and the attitudes of those on all sides of the question. In many cases, it was not a pretty picture.

Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers, has the unique distinction of taking the moral high road while acting in the best interests of his team, his sport, and his country.

Jackie Robinson, who plays himself in the movie (and does it very well), is clearly a human being that deserves the opportunities he gets and he earns everyone's respect in the process, fans and foes alike.

MUCH MORE THAN JUST A SPORT MOVIE BIOGRAPHY:

Yes, it is a taut and compelling film involving major league baseball and human rights. More than that, it illustrates the naked, blind cruelty that seemed to grip people from all walks of life over the color issue as well as the sterling characters of a few mavericks. This is a film that shows more than it tells and that is always the best way to present a story.

THE CAST:

Jackie Robinson plays himself and of course needs no introduction. Ruby Dee plays the young woman he marries and who demonstrates the same brand of courage as her husband. Ruby Dee later starred along side Sidney Poitier in "A Raisin In The Sun" and as Jackie Robinson's mother in the 1990 TV movie "The Court Martial of Jackie Robinson. Minor Watson plays Dodgers owner Branch Richey and portrays him as a rough-but-fair businessman who is obviously disgusted over the "color line" in baseball and is the man who finally facilitates its overdue termination.

ABOUT THE DVD: This DVD is a Digiview Production and is "Digitally Remastered" in Black and White.

He broke down all the barries, But they failed to break him
This vintage film biography of Jackie Robinson traces his career from the Negro Leagues to the major league, and of cource, he was the first to break the "color line" in malor league baseball. An intriguing aspect of this docudrama, was that Jackie Robinson played himself. Also, the fantastic Ruby Dee was excellent in the role of Rachel Robinson, Jackie's wife. Wonderful portrayals, along with deep heart-felt emotions make this an excellent film, that is as timely today, as when it took place.