Examining the Misrepresentations- What the Movie ’42’ Got Wrong About the Real Story

What did the movie 42 get wrong?

The movie 42, released in 2013, is a biographical sports film that tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. While the film is widely praised for its portrayal of Robinson’s groundbreaking journey, it is not without its inaccuracies and omissions. This article will explore some of the key areas where the movie 42 fell short in its depiction of Jackie Robinson’s life and the historical context of his time.

1. Overlooking the Role of the Black Press

One significant oversight in the movie 42 is the underrepresentation of the black press in Robinson’s story. The black press played a crucial role in advocating for Robinson’s integration into Major League Baseball and in raising awareness about the racial injustices he faced. By neglecting this aspect, the film fails to fully acknowledge the importance of the black community’s support in Robinson’s journey.

2. Exaggerating the Challenges Faced by Robinson

While the movie does an excellent job of highlighting the racial abuse and discrimination Robinson endured, it sometimes exaggerates the challenges he faced. For instance, the film depicts Robinson being threatened with violence by fans and players, which was indeed a part of his experience, but it fails to mention the many instances where Robinson was supported by white teammates and fans.

3. Misrepresenting the Relationship with Branch Rickey

The movie 42 portrays Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodgers’ general manager who signed Robinson, as a heroic figure who took a significant risk in integrating the league. While Rickey was indeed a forward-thinking executive, the film fails to show the complex nature of their relationship. Rickey was initially hesitant to sign Robinson and only agreed to do so after being convinced by his wife. Additionally, the film does not delve into the financial and personal sacrifices Rickey made to support Robinson throughout his career.

4. Neglecting the Impact of the Civil Rights Movement

The movie 42 focuses primarily on Robinson’s individual struggle and does not adequately address the broader context of the Civil Rights Movement. While Robinson’s integration into Major League Baseball was a significant milestone, it was just one of many battles in the fight for racial equality. By ignoring the larger movement, the film fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the historical significance of Robinson’s achievement.

5. Overlooking the Personal Life of Jackie Robinson

Lastly, the movie 42 does not give enough attention to Jackie Robinson’s personal life, particularly his struggles with alcoholism and his family life. While these aspects are not central to the film’s narrative, they are important in understanding the full scope of Robinson’s life and the challenges he overcame.

In conclusion, while the movie 42 is a compelling and inspiring portrayal of Jackie Robinson’s journey, it is not without its inaccuracies and omissions. By addressing these issues, future films can provide a more accurate and comprehensive depiction of Robinson’s life and the historical context of his time.