preview

How Is Jackie Robinson Related To The Movie 42

Decent Essays

Similarities and Differences between 42 and True Events Jackie Robinson once said, "There is not an American in this country free until every one of us is free" -Jackie Robinson. The film, 42, was based on Jackie Robinson’s life as a segregated African American being signed to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball team. During the film, it showed how Jackie Robinson demonstrated true courage and commendable restraint by letting his unmistakable talent silence the critics for him. The adaptation portrayed Jackie Robinson as a Negro League baseball player who never takes racism lying down. There were many similarities between the film and the events that lead up to Jackie Robinson’s fame; however, a number of characters and events were portrayed …show more content…

For example, in both the adaptation and real life events, Jackie Robinson was court-martialed and arrested for refusing to go on a segregated bus. According to History vs. Hollywood, “The 42 true story reveals that Robinson had been arrested and court-martialed during boot camp for refusing to go to the back of a segregated bus, as explained in the movie” (“42 (2013)”). Additionally, this movie, once again, opened people's eyes to how irrational segregation was. In both the movie and events, many of the other baseball players on Jackie Robinson’s team started a petition against him. History vs Hollywood explains, “during training camp, teammate Dixie Walker instigated a petition against Jackie Robinson. Though it was supported by some of the players, others like Pee Wee Reese refused to sign it" (“42 (2013)”). Dixie Walker started a petition that people signed against Robinson, then again, some people did not sign it and thought it was unjust. Many further similarities were included in the film; however, the director also adjusted a number of events and characters to accommodate his …show more content…

However, the actual events varied. Ed Charles’ did show great admiration towards Jackie Robinson, but to much disbelief, Robinson did not actually toss his baseball to Charles. History vs Hollywood additionally claims, “as a youngster Ed Charles did put his ear to the train tracks to listen as Jackie pulled away from the station. ‘I sat in the segregated section of the ballpark and watched Jackie,’ said Charles” (“42 (2013)”). Ed Charles was just Robinson’s shadow, as he stalked him from time to time as a child. Moreover, Jackie Robinson being the only African American at the spring training with the Montreal Royals in 1946 had not been true in real life events. Rob Neyer noted, “Jackie Robinson is the only black player in spring training with the Montreal Royals in 1946; in real life, pitcher John Wright was there, too.” John Wright was by Jackie Robinson’s side, being the two African American Players at the spring training. Even though the director did not completely orient with some of Jackie Robinson's real life events in his film, Helgeland’s movie still proved to be spellbinding to

Get Access