The Jackie Robinson Story

About The Jackie Robinson Story

The Jackie Robinson Story is a 1950 American biographical sports drama film directed by Alfred E. Green and written by Arthur Mann. The movie presents the life story of Jackie Robinson, the first black Major League Baseball player of the modern era. Overcoming discrimination and hardships, Robinson becomes a baseball trailblazer, shattering racial barriers and forever changing the face of American sport.

Making / Production

The film was produced by Mort Briskin for Eagle-Lion Films. Production relied heavily on accurate portrayals and historical detail. In many scenes, actual newsreel footage was used to increase authenticity. The movie was filmed on location at many of the actual stadiums Robinson played in.

Actors

• Jackie Robinson as Himself - Jackie, despite no acting experience, delivered a poignant and gripping portrayal of his own life.
• Ruby Dee as Rae Robinson - Ruby played the role of Jackie's supportive and loving wife. Her performance was praised for its authenticity and emotional depth.
• Minor Watson as Branch Rickey - As the team executive who signed Jackie, Watson portrayed Rickey with a firm conviction.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film is notable in that Robinson played himself in the film, just a few years after the real-life events.
• Actress Ruby Dee had never seen a baseball game prior to her role in the film.
• The story was remade in 2013 as "42", starring Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson.

Awards

The Jackie Robinson Story was not the recipient of any major film awards at the time of its release. However, it remains a significant and influential depiction of a pioneering American sports hero.

Quotes

• "I never cared about acceptance as much as I cared about respect."
• "It's what you do that counts, not what color you are."

Music, Soundtrack

• The film's moving, festive and period-accurate score was composed by Herschel Burke Gilbert.