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The Jackie Robinson Story

Released May 16, 1950 1h 16m Biography List
63% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 49% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
After a successful baseball career in college and as a coach in the military, Jackie Robinson (playing himself) attracts the attention of Major League Baseball's Branch Rickey (Minor Watson). Rickey wants Robinson to play in the minor leagues, believing he can become the first player to break the color barrier and play in the majors. The only catch: He is forbidden from defending himself against racial bigotry. Supported by his wife (Ruby Dee), Robinson is steadfast in his determination to win.
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The Jackie Robinson Story

Critics Reviews

View All (8) Critics Reviews
TIME Magazine The best thing about the movie is Jackie Robinson himself, playing the title role. Burdened with some lines and situations that would weigh heavily on a professional actor, he gives a remarkably natural performance. Mar 21, 2011 Full Review Nell Minow Common Sense Media Movie's main asset is that Robinson plays himself. Rated: 3/5 Dec 28, 2010 Full Review Bosley Crowther New York Times Here the simple story of Mr. Robinson's trail-blazing career is re-enacted with manifest fidelity and conspicuous dramatic restraint. And Mr. Robinson displays a calm assurance and composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star. Rated: 4/5 Mar 25, 2006 Full Review TV Guide Though [Robinson] was a better infielder than he was an actor, anyone who loves baseball will be intrigued by the story of the determined man who broke the color barrier in the major leagues. Rated: 2/4 Mar 12, 2013 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews One of the most sincere sports biopics. Rated: B Oct 9, 2007 Full Review Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com Rated: 2/5 Jul 3, 2005 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (34) audience reviews
Steve D Pulls its punches but it is fun to see Jackie. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 06/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Today this film would likely be labeled hackneyed, trite, corny, or the dreaded cliche, but when viewed in the context of 1950, still 14 years before the Civil Rights Act was passed, this film was likely quite progressive and preaches an important social message. I think I can safely state I have never seen a more authentic performance from a lead in a biopic, and was pleasantly surprised with how natural Jackie Robinson appeared in his role. All jokes aside, Robinson was well supported with the script as to never appear out of his element or inauthentic, anymore than any actor would have with this material. The film is basically a condensed collection of episodes from Robinson's life and career, which unfold chronologically and highlight many of the anecdotes, both positive and negative, that fans of his will recognize. I still remember one of my favorite books in early childhood was called Teammates and was about Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. I could picture some of the illustrations from that book, which I believe won a Caldecott, as some of the corresponding scenes played out in this film. Edit: It does not appear Teaammates ever won a Caldecott but the embossed emblem I was picturing on the cover appears to be for a Redbook Children's Book Award, and while maybe not as prestigious as a Caldecott still proved almost as memorable. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member I grew watching this when I was excited to see the never before film of my baseball idol when I was 13. I always like Ruby Dee & she did a great job portraying his wife. Minor Watson as well when he was Branch Rickey. Surprised it's remastered in color which is better now to watch. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/25/23 Full Review Audience Member The best inspiring movie ever made! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review kevin w While Jackie Robinson is not an entertainment professional this film is beyond price as one can get a sense of the man who - together with Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers - broke the color bar in baseball. While not a performer, the INCREDIBLE humility is there to see for anyone who wonders about the soul who conquered over the immense HATRED rendered to prevent him playing a silly ball game. What one is not shown is the other side of the coin, the hatred rendered. That part, the really ugly part, is cleaned up and sanitized, and downplayed, like advertising a monster movie wherein the villain doesn't show. And so the point of the work is, umm, strategically avoided. But Jack ... is still great. Rated 3 out of 5 stars 03/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Pretty interesting biography. Jackie Robinson prove to everybody that anyone can play baseball Jackie changed the game so I find him to be a hero!! Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/04/18 Full Review Read all reviews
The Jackie Robinson Story

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Movie Info

Synopsis After a successful baseball career in college and as a coach in the military, Jackie Robinson (playing himself) attracts the attention of Major League Baseball's Branch Rickey (Minor Watson). Rickey wants Robinson to play in the minor leagues, believing he can become the first player to break the color barrier and play in the majors. The only catch: He is forbidden from defending himself against racial bigotry. Supported by his wife (Ruby Dee), Robinson is steadfast in his determination to win.
Director
Alfred E. Green
Producer
Mort Briskin
Screenwriter
Lawrence Taylor, Arthur Mann
Production Co
Jewel Pictures
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 16, 1950, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 1, 2012
Runtime
1h 16m
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