Jackie Robinson stars as himself in 1950's The Jackie Robinson Story, the true story of major league baseball's first African-American player.
A true trailblazer, Robinson's story is the stuff of which legends are made, and surprisingly, his portrayal is also quite impressive, displaying an admirable restraint and poise.
The film follows Robinson through childhood and on to college at UCLA, where he stars not only in baseball but basketball as well. Upon graduation, he is faced with the realization that his options, due to his race, are limited. His discovery while playing with a "barnstorming" troupe of other African-Americans and subsequent ascension to the Brooklyn Dodgers is portrayed tastefully and truthfully, revealing the prejudice Robinson underwent.
Ruby Dee as Robinson's wife and Minor Watson as Branch Rickey are standouts among the cast, while the baseball scenes are realistic.
Best Baseball Movies
