42

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  42 Official Website
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  42 Facebook Page

Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. 42 tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

“’42’ is one of those rare films that received a unanimous “Yes” vote from our Truly Moving Picture Award jury,” explained Heartland’s Artistic Director Tim Irwin. “Jurors felt that ‘42’ is a great representative of the Award’s criteria: audiences will be inspired by Jackie’s story, about a real-life hero and role model that audiences don’t often see in film. One juror was especially impressed by the film’s juxtaposition of the best and worst of humanity; ‘42’ is an inspiring, engaging example that the best humanity has to offer can overcome the worst. We are proud to honor ‘42’ with the Truly Moving Picture Award.”