42 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Baseball executive decides to sign a guy so long as he promises to not fight racism with punching, and then baseball happens.

🍿 42: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Breaking the Color Barrier

In 1945, Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, decides to challenge the racial segregation in baseball by signing an African American player. He seeks a player with exceptional skill and the composure to withstand intense racial hostility. Rickey believes integrating baseball is both a moral and a business imperative.

The Signing of Jackie Robinson

Rickey selects Jackie Robinson from the Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues. Robinson, a talented athlete with a strong will, agrees to join the Dodgers organization. Rickey warns Robinson about the abuse he will face and emphasizes the need for restraint. Robinson promises to control his temper and focus on his performance on the field.

Facing Prejudice and Hostility

Robinson’s journey is fraught with challenges. He and his wife, Rachel, encounter discrimination during travel and housing. On the field, Robinson faces racial slurs and physical threats from opposing players and fans. Some of his own teammates initially resist his presence, creating a tense and divided clubhouse.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman): A talented and strong-willed baseball player who bravely breaks the color barrier in Major League Baseball, enduring relentless racism with remarkable restraint.
• Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford): The innovative and courageous general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers who signs Jackie Robinson, challenging the status quo and risking his reputation.
• Rachel Robinson (Nicole Beharie): Jackie Robinson’s supportive and strong wife who provides unwavering love and encouragement amidst the adversity they face.
• Wendell Smith (André Holland): A determined African-American sportswriter who chronicles Jackie Robinson’s journey, providing crucial support and challenging racial prejudice in the media.
• Ben Chapman (Alan Tudyk): The vehemently racist manager of the Philadelphia Phillies, who unleashes a barrage of hateful slurs against Jackie Robinson, highlighting the pervasive prejudice of the time.
• Pee Wee Reese (Lucas Black): The Dodgers’ shortstop and team captain who publicly stands in solidarity with Jackie Robinson, defying societal norms and demonstrating true sportsmanship.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Branch Rickey: “I’m looking for a ballplayer with the guts *not* to fight back.” – Rickey explains to Robinson the unique challenge he’ll face and the restraint he must show in the face of abuse.
• Jackie Robinson: “You want me to say I’m somebody I’m not.” – Robinson expresses his frustration with the expectation that he suppress his natural reactions to racism.
• Branch Rickey: “Dollars aren’t black and white, they’re green.” – Rickey defends his decision to sign Robinson, highlighting the economic benefits of integrating baseball.
• Pee Wee Reese: “Maybe tomorrow, we’ll all wear 42, so nobody could tell us apart.” – Reese makes a supportive comment, suggesting solidarity by having everyone wear Robinson’s number.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $40,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $95,059,709
• Worldwide Gross: $97,510,197

💥 42 Reviews

Personal Review

I remember seeing ’42’ in theaters and feeling genuinely moved. The film does a great job of showcasing the immense pressure and racism that Jackie Robinson faced. Chadwick Boseman’s performance is captivating, making you truly understand Robinson’s quiet strength. It’s a film that not only tells a vital historical story, but also celebrates courage and perseverance. The scene where Pee Wee Reese puts his arm around Robinson still gives me chills.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Baseball fans”
  • “History enthusiasts”
  • “Viewers interested in civil rights stories”
  • “Families looking for an inspirational movie”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Racial slurs and discrimination”
  • “Mild violence (baseball related)”
  • “Mature themes related to prejudice”

Professional Reviews

• The Hollywood Reporter: “A well-meaning if somewhat sanitized account of Jackie Robinson’s groundbreaking entry into Major League Baseball. Chadwick Boseman shines, though Harrison Ford occasionally veers into caricature. Ultimately, a solid but not spectacular retelling of an important story.
• RogerEbert.com: “’42’ is a solid and generally well-made movie with a strong story at its core. This is a film that is earnest and sincere in its portrayal of a monumental moment in American History. Chadwick Boseman is superb as Jackie Robinson.
• Variety: “Brian Helgeland’s earnest, old-fashioned storytelling and Chadwick Boseman’s impressive performance make “42” a crowd-pleasing tribute to a true American hero.

Audience Reactions

Chadwick Boseman’s performance is incredible and heartbreaking.: Viewers consistently praise Chadwick Boseman’s portrayal of Jackie Robinson and Harrison Ford’s supporting performance.

The film accurately portrays the shocking racism of the era.: Many viewers found the film to be educational and inspiring, highlighting the importance of Robinson’s story.

Overall Consensus: ’42’ is a well-intentioned and inspiring sports drama that effectively conveys the story of Jackie Robinson, though some critics find it somewhat sanitized and predictable.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Chadwick Boseman did not have the right to wear Jackie Robinson’s real number 42 jersey, so the costume department had to make multiple versions of the jersey, each with subtle differences to avoid copyright issues.”
• “Several former Major League Baseball players served as consultants on the film to ensure the accuracy of the baseball scenes.”
• “To capture the look and feel of the 1940s, the filmmakers used vintage cameras and lenses.”

🖥️ How to Watch 42?

You can stream ’42’ on various platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu, where you can rent or purchase it. Check your local listings for availability as platforms may vary. You can also buy the DVD or Blu-ray on Amazon.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed 42, you might like these similar films:

• The Jackie Robinson Story (1950): A direct comparison. This is the original biopic, starring Jackie Robinson himself, offering a unique historical perspective.
• Glory Road (2006): Similar to 42. This movie portrays the true story of the all-black Texas Western Miners basketball team’s historic NCAA championship win, exploring themes of racial prejudice and triumph.
• Remember the Titans (2000): Thematically related. It focuses on the integration of a high school football team in 1970s Virginia, dealing with racial prejudice and team unity.
• Race (2016): Similar theme. Jesse Owens’s struggle against racial adversity at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

🛒 42 Related Products

• Jackie Robinson: A Biography: A comprehensive biography of Jackie Robinson, diving deeper into his life and legacy beyond his baseball career. Explore his activism, struggles, and enduring impact on American society.
• Jackie Robinson Funko Pop!: A stylized and collectible vinyl figure of Jackie Robinson in his iconic Dodgers uniform. A fun way to showcase your appreciation for the baseball legend.
• ’42’ Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the official ’42’ movie poster. Perfect for decorating a home theater, office, or sports-themed room.
• Brooklyn Dodgers Vintage T-Shirt: A classic-style t-shirt featuring the iconic Brooklyn Dodgers logo. Made from soft, comfortable material, it’s a stylish way to pay tribute to the team that made history.

🎧 Soundtrack

42 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Is You Is or Is You Ain’t My Baby” – performed by Louis Jordan & His Tympany Five
• “Good Rockin’ Tonight” – performed by Wynonie Harris
• “Calypso Blues” – performed by Nat King Cole

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

42 and Douglas Adams – Numberphile

Ever wondered about the significance of the number 42? This video takes us on a journey that intertwines the movie “42” with Douglas Adams’ iconic work, revealing a hidden connection that’s both fascinating and thought-provoking.

Selma: Crash Course Film Criticism #3

Join Crash Course Film Criticism as they delve into “42”‘s historical portrayal. This video will make you question the role of accuracy in historical dramas and ignite a deeper understanding of the complexities of storytelling based on real events.

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