In 1947, there were 16 teams and 400 players in Major League Baseball. 399 of those players were white; one was black. 42 is the inspiring true story of that one black player, Jackie Robinson, who broke through the color barrier with courage, stubbornness, self-control, talent and faith.
Prior to ’47, blacks played professional baseball but were relegated to the Negro leagues. Jackie Robinson was offered the opportunity to move up to The Show by Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford in the movie)—a move that sent shockwaves not only through the sport but through the culture as well.
The film traces Robinson’s relatively brief minor league career and his initial season in the majors, focusing primarily on the intense racial hatred and bigotry he encountered in the clubhouse, on the field and in his life. The movie offers up example after example of the physical and psychological intimidation he encountered, ranging from humiliating slights such as being bumped off a flight to threats against his life.
Perhaps the heart of the movie is the scene in which Phillies manager Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk) hurls epithets and racial slurs at Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) when he’s at bat. The vitriol riles Jackie, as intended, and he flies out. Barely containing his fury, he walks back to the underground alley between the dugout and the clubhouse where he lets fly his anger and frustration. Enter Branch Rickey who encourages him to turn the other cheek. “We need you to win,” he says, appealing not only to the man of faith but to the competitive and talented baseball player.
The movie also explores why Rickey would want to kick up such controversy by breaking the color line. At first, he demurs, talking about how it’s not an issue of black vs. white, but the fact that “every dollar is green.” Of course, we later find out that there’s a deeper and more humane reason that he’s willing to endure the firestorm of racism he’s ignited. There’s something troubling him, something on his conscience that he wants to rectify through giving Robinson the chance to play in the big leagues.
Robinson was a pioneer, not a saint. He was a gifted baseball player who would not “go away,” would not be denied the opportunity to play at the highest level. The impact of Robinson’s accomplishment is telegraphed not too subtly in the film by the triumphant swelling of the music track in far too many scenes. Still 42 is an inspiring film because it reminds us of the power one individual can have to create major societal change.
Warner Bros., the studio who produced the film, has also built a website especially for pastors and ministry leaders. Focusing on the role of faith in the life of Jackie Robinson, it provides sermon notes, ministry resources, and film clips for educational activities.
So whether you’re a fan of America’s favorite pastime or not, go see 42. You’ll be shocked and embarrassed by the bigotry, yet inspired by the man who stood firm on his dignity and his faith and grew into a true hero.
