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The Jackie Robinson Story

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63% Tomatometer 8 Reviews 51% 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

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TIME Magazine 03/21/2011
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. Go to Full Review
Nell Minow Common Sense Media 12/28/2010
3/5
Movie's main asset is that Robinson plays himself. Go to Full Review
Bosley Crowther New York Times 03/25/2006
4/5
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. Go to Full Review
TV Guide 03/12/2013
2/4
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. Go to Full Review
Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews 10/09/2007
B
One of the most sincere sports biopics. Go to Full Review
Emanuel Levy EmanuelLevy.Com 07/03/2005
2/5
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Audience Reviews

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S R @ScottR May 3 Despite the poor acting, weak script, and simple directing, this based on a true story resonated and made me appreciate his story so much more than I had. The patriotic appeal at the end was refreshing despite its cliche since it focuses on what opportunities the US gives us rather than what will divide us. I was glad for its positive message that today is much needed. NYT 1000 movies list and SLC DVD. See more Jim P Feb 14 Persevered in real life just like starring in his film with no acting experience. He just keeps going. See more Steve D 06/22/2023 Pulls its punches but it is fun to see Jackie. See more 04/06/2022 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. See more 02/02/2019 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. See more 02/01/2019 The best inspiring movie ever made! See more 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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