42 (film)
{{Short description|2013 biographical sports film by Brian Helgeland}}
{{good article}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2013}}
{{Use American English|date=April 2025}}
{{Infobox film
| name = 42
| image = 42 film poster.jpg
| alt = LDT2R DCG6990
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = Brian Helgeland
| producer = Thomas Tull
| screenplay = Brian Helgeland
| starring = {{plainlist|
- Chadwick Boseman
- Harrison Ford
- Nicole Beharie
- Christopher Meloni
- André Holland
- Lucas Black
- Hamish Linklater
- Ryan Merriman
}}
| music = Mark Isham
| cinematography = Don Burgess
| editing = {{plainlist|
}}
| studio = Legendary Pictures
| distributor = Warner Bros. Pictures
| released = {{Film date|2013|04|12|United States}}
| runtime = 128 minutes{{cite web|title='42,' With Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/12/movies/42-with-chadwick-boseman-as-jackie-robinson.html|work=New York Times|date=11 April 2024|access-date=17 January 2025|author-link=A. O. Scott}}
| country = United States
| language = English
| budget = $31–40 million{{cite web |title=42 (2013) – Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/42-(2013)#tab=summary |website=The Numbers}}{{cite web|url=http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=42.htm |title= 42 (2013) |website=Box Office Mojo |date=2013-04-03 |access-date=2013-07-27}}
}}
42{{efn|Often stylized as 42: The True Story of an American Legend}} is a 2013 American biographical sports drama film produced by Legendary Pictures and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. Written and directed by Brian Helgeland, 42 is based on baseball player Jackie Robinson, the first black athlete to play in Major League Baseball (MLB) during the modern era. The title of the film is a reference to Robinson's jersey number, which was universally retired across all MLB teams in 1997. The ensemble cast includes Chadwick Boseman as Robinson, alongside Harrison Ford, Nicole Beharie, Christopher Meloni, André Holland, Lucas Black, Hamish Linklater, and Ryan Merriman in supporting roles.
Spike Lee initially planned to direct a biopic in 1995 with Turner Pictures, but the project fell apart due to creative differences and later financial challenges. In 2011, Legendary Pictures took over, collaborating with Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, to ensure authenticity. Boseman, cast as Robinson in his breakout role, impressed Helgeland with his athleticism and emotional depth during auditions. Boseman trained to replicate Robinson's mannerisms and connected with Rachel for character insights. Filming began in 2012 across locations like Chattanooga, Tennessee, and Birmingham, Alabama, with Engel Stadium standing in for the Brooklyn Dodgers' Ebbets Field. The production used digital recreations of historic stadiums and involved local extras.
42 was screened at the White House and premiered at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles before it was released on April 12, 2013, by Warner Bros. Its release was three days before Jackie Robinson Day, celebrated annually on April 15. The film received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise centered on Boseman's heartfelt portrayal and Ford's stylized performance. 42 earned $97.5 million worldwide against a $40 million budget, including a record-breaking $27.5 million opening for a baseball film.
Plot
A montage depicts the end of the Second World War and the associations baseball held as a symbol of democratic freedom, contrasted against scenes of racial disparity within American society. African American ballplayers were restricted to playing in the Negro leagues when the 1946 Major League Baseball season saw 16 teams and 400 white players.
In 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey tells scout Clyde Sukeforth that he wants to recruit a black baseball player for his team. Reviewing potential candidates, Rickey suggests Jackie Robinson of the Negro leagues' Kansas City Monarchs. During a racially motivated confrontation at a gas station, Robinson is approached by Sukeforth. Rickey tells Robinson the challenges of breaking the color line and emphasizes restraint in responding to provocations. Robinson agrees to join the Dodgers under these terms and proposes to his girlfriend, Rachel Robinson, who accepts.
In Daytona Beach, Florida, Robinson trains with the AAA affiliate farm team for the Brooklyn Dodgers: the Montreal Royals, managed by Clay Hopper. After performing well his first season, Robinson advances to the Dodgers and is trained as a first baseman in Panama City. Some Dodgers draft a petition refusing to play with Robinson, but are rebuffed by manager Leo Durocher, whom Rickey confides in. Robinson opens up to Wendell Smith, his black chronicler, saying he doesn't like needing people. Baseball Commissioner Happy Chandler suspends Durocher over his extramarital affair, and Robinson signs with the team and plays on the 1947 season's opening day; Rickey convinces former player Burt Shotton to take over as manager. Sometime later, Robinson and Rachel have a baby boy, whom Robinson vows to be there for.
On the field, Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman relentlessly taunts Robinson with racial epithets. In the dugout, Robinson angrily strikes his bat against the wall, breaking into tears. Rickey tells him that Chapman expects Robinson to stand up for himself. Fellow teammate Eddie Stanky defends Robinson, who scores the winning run. A Philadelphia hotel denies the Dodgers service, leading to an altercation between Robinson and Dixie Walker. When Chapman's behavior generates negative press for the team, Phillies' general manager Herb Pennock, who had earlier disapproved of Robinson playing in Philadelphia, requires Chapman to pose with Robinson for magazine photos. Teammate Pee Wee Reese sympathizes with Robinson, standing with his arm around Robinson's shoulders before a hostile crowd at Crosley Field. In a game against the St. Louis Cardinals, Enos Slaughter spikes Robinson on the back of the leg with his cleats. Robinson calms vengeful Dodgers, insisting they focus on winning the game. While Robinson is treated, Rickey tells him that Robinson inspired him to love baseball again.
Robinson hits a home run against Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Fritz Ostermueller, who had earlier hit him in the head (which led to a fight between Robinson's teammates and the Pirates), helping the Dodgers clinch the National League pennant, sending them to the 1947 World Series. The black community in Brooklyn erupts in cheers while Wendell documents the achievements of Robinson, who confidently sprints toward home plate. An epilogue highlights Robinson's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame alongside Rickey and Reese; Wendell becoming the first African American member of the Baseball Writers' Association of America; and the annual commemoration of Robinson's achievements, in which all players wear his number, 42, which remains retired across baseball. Inspired, a young Ed Charles later played for the 1969 World Series champion "Miracle Mets".
Cast
{{Cast listing|
- Chadwick Boseman as Jackie Robinson{{cite web|url=https://archive.jsonline.com/sports/etc/206216281.html|publisher=The Drill|title=The Drill: Where you've seen '42' actors before|access-date=16 December 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/04/chadwick-boseman-42-interview?srsltid=AfmBOoq4xcLAQbDXTLGRZsz7Yf7AjMxJGABBNZu_VLdrjvnlsTRydTSv| title=42 Star Chadwick Boseman on Playing Jackie Robinson, Copying His Baseball Moves, and Being Stood Up by the President| date=April 12, 2013|publisher=Vanity Fair|access-date=16 December 2024}}
- Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey, owner of the Brooklyn Dodgers
- Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson{{cite news|last=Topel|first=Fred|title=Exclusive Interview: Nicole Beharie on 'Sleepy Hollow' and 42 We talk to Ichabod Crane's police partner on Fox's modern day "Sleepy Hollow" about the new take on the horror story, and her landmark role in the biopic 42.|url=http://www.craveonline.com/tv/interviews/573261-exclusive-interview-nicole-beharie-on-sleepy-hollow-and-42|access-date=September 24, 2013|newspaper=craveonline.com|date=September 18, 2013}}
- Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher, the Dodgers manager who supported Robinson but was later suspended
- André Holland as Wendell Smith, a black sportswriter who supports Robinson
- Alan Tudyk as Ben Chapman
- Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese{{cite web|url=https://www.seattletimes.com/entertainment/lsquo42rsquo-jackie-robinson-biopic-loads-bases-with-well-cast-actors/ |title='42': Jackie Robinson biopic loads bases with well-cast actors |date=April 11, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.al.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2013/04/post_148.html|title=Alabama's Lucas Black gets back in uniform to play Pee Wee Reese in the Jackie Robinson movie '42'|last=Carlton|first=Bob|publisher=AL.com|date=April 14, 2013| access-date=July 22, 2013}}
- Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca, starting pitcher
- Brett Cullen as Clay Hopper
- Ryan Merriman as Dixie Walker{{cite web|access-date=15 January 2025|url=https://www.indiewire.com/news/general-news/first-look-chadwick-boseman-nicole-beharie-in-brian-helgelands-jackie-robinson-film-42-251856/|title=First Look: Chadwick Boseman & Nicole Beharie In Brian Helgeland's Jackie Robinson Film '42'|date=May 23, 2012|work=IndieWire|author=Simon Dang}}
- Brad Beyer as Kirby Higbe
- Gino Anthony Pesi as Joe Garagiola
- T. R. Knight as Harold Parrott, a Dodgers staff member
- Max Gail as Burt Shotton
- Toby Huss as Clyde Sukeforth
- James Pickens Jr. as Mr. Brock
- Mark Harelik as Herb Pennock
- Derek Phillips as Bobby Bragan
- Jesse Luken as Eddie Stanky
- John C. McGinley as Red Barber, sports announcer
- Dusan Brown as young Ed Charles
- Linc Hand as Fritz Ostermueller
- Matt Clark as Luther
- Peter MacKenzie as Happy Chandler
- C. J. Nitkowski as Dutch Leonard{{cite news|last=Kepner|first=Tyler|title=EXTRA BASES Bound for Big Screen, and Maybe Majors|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/29/sports/baseball/c-j-nitkowski-hoping-to-return-to-majors-will-appear-on-big-screen.htmlpagewanted=all|newspaper=The New York Times|access-date=29 July 2012}}{{cite web|last=Nitkowski|first=C.J.|title=Getting the Part in "42," a Jackie Robinson Film Starring Harrison Ford|url=http://www.cjbaseball.com/2012-42-film-part.htm|publisher=C. J. Nitkowski|access-date=29 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120417124338/http://www.cjbaseball.com/2012-42-film-part.htm|archive-date=2012-04-17|url-status=dead}}
}}
Production
=Initial development=
Spike Lee planned to write and direct The Jackie Robinson Story based on the life of Jackie Robinson and had it set up at Turner Pictures under his 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks in 1995. The studio wanted to release it in 1997 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of Robinson's breaking of the color barrier, and courted Denzel Washington to star,{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Cox|url=https://variety.com/1995/more/news/clock-ticks-for-turner-pix-99129590/|title=Clock ticks for Turner Pix|work=Variety|date=August 14, 1995|access-date=January 31, 2025}}{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Cox|url=https://variety.com/1995/film/features/turner-pix-bows-starry-slate-99128738|title=Turner Pix bows starry slate|work=Variety|date=October 16, 1995|access-date =October 17, 2014}} but the project fell apart in 1996 over creative differences. In March 1997, Lee found favor with Columbia Pictures, who signed him to a three-year first-look deal. Columbia President Amy Pascal reflected that it would bring "enormous potential for Spike to reach audiences that are not traditionally associated with Spike Lee movies."{{cite news|first=Dan|last=Cox|url= https://variety.com/1997/scene/vpage/40-acres-a-mule-to-col-1117432832|title=40 Acres & A Mule to Col|work=Variety|date=March 2, 1997|access-date=October 14, 2014}} The project eventually fell apart due to difficulties securing funding, a script, and a lead actor.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/09/opinion/downey-jackie-robinson/index.html|title=The Jackie Robinson biopic and me|access-date=19 February 2025|work=CNN|date=April 9, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9207998/42-gets-some-jackie-robinson-history-wrong-starts-conversation|title=Righting the wrongs of '42'|date=April 24, 2013 |access-date=16 December 2024}} In 2004 Robert Redford set up a separate biopic as producer with Deep River Productions, as well as his own production company, Wildwood Productions. Redford also intended to co-star as Branch Rickey,{{cite news|first = Dave|last=McNary | url = https://variety.com/2004/film/news/duo-in-deep-with-par-1117907353|title=Duo in Deep with Par|work=Variety|date=July 5, 2004|access-date=October 17, 2014}} and Howard Baldwin joined as producer the following year.{{cite news|author=McNary, Dave | title =Rodney gets some respect |url = https://variety.com/2005/film/news/rodney-gets-some-respect-1117924794|date=June 20, 2005|work=Variety|access-date=October 17, 2014}}
=Resurgence=
File:Thomas Tull SDCC 2014.jpg
In June 2011, it was announced that Legendary Pictures would develop and produce a Jackie Robinson biopic with Brian Helgeland on board to write and direct, under a distribution deal with Warner Bros. He was approached by producer Thomas Tull about a potential Jackie Robinson biopic.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-apr-17-la-et-mn-jackie-robinson-baseball-movie-42-reviews-theaters-brian-helgeland-director--42-20130416-story.html|title=How Brian Helgeland came to make Jackie Robinson movie '42'|access-date=7 February 2025|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 17, 2013 }} Helgeland, who had previously worked with Tull, received the call while on a bus trip to New York with his father. During the conversation, he noticed a billboard featuring Robinson's image with the message "Character: Pass it On", which he later described as "a moment of serendipity" that solidified his interest in the project.
Three days later, after reading Robinson's autobiography, Helgeland met with Robinson's widow, Rachel Robinson, to present his vision for the film. While Rachel initially envisioned a cradle-to-grave portrayal covering Robinson's life beyond baseball, Helgeland proposed focusing on a specific period—Robinson's transition from the Negro leagues in 1945 through his rookie season with the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 1947 season. Rachel agreed to the plan and described Robinson's physical traits and personality, as well as the depth of their relationship. "She told me how disciplined he was, how adamant he was about not drinking, and how opinionated he was", Boseman shared.{{cite web|url=https://collider.com/harrison-ford-brian-helgeland-42-interview/|title=Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford and Director Brian Helgeland Talk 42, Getting Involved in the Film, Jackie Robinson's Influence and His Portrayal in the Film|date=April 11, 2013 |access-date=7 February 2025|publisher=Collider}}
Helgeland prioritized accurate depictions of baseball sequences, avoiding what he viewed as overly choreographed action seen in some sports films. He studied past baseball movies and cited The Bad News Bears as a standout for its naturalistic portrayal of the sport's emotional and unifying elements.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9161338/jackie-robinson-movie-42-labor-love-brian-helgeland|title=Jackie Robinson movie '42'|date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=4 February 2025|publisher=ESPN}} Rachel had previously been involved with Redford's project.{{cite news|author=McNary, Dave|url=https://variety.com/2011/film/news/jackie-robinson-biopic-takes-flight-1118037862|title=Jackie Robinson biopic takes flight|date=June 1, 2011|work=Variety|access-date=October 17, 2014}}{{Cite web |date=2013-04-11 |title=Film on baseball icon gets it right |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2013/04/11/film-on-baseball-icon-gets-it-right/ |access-date=2024-05-17 |website=Boston Herald |language=en-US}}
=Casting and preproduction=
Boseman's breakthrough role came with 42, in which he portrayed the lead role of Robinson.{{Cite magazine |last=Gregory |first=Sean |date=February 21, 2013 |title=Going Places With Chadwick Boseman |url=https://style.time.com/2013/02/21/going-places-with-chadwick-boseman/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160302113102/http://style.time.com/2013/02/21/going-places-with-chadwick-boseman/ |archive-date=March 2, 2016 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |magazine=Time}}{{Cite web |last=Borrelli |first=Christopher |date=April 11, 2013 |title=Robinson actor swings for the fences |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/ct-xpm-2013-04-11-sc-mov-0409-chadwick-boseman-42-20130411-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200831012117/https://www.chicagotribune.com/ |archive-date=August 31, 2020 |access-date=August 31, 2020 |website=Chicago Tribune}} When asked about Robinson and Rachel, Hegeland emphasized the importance that the actors "be accepted at once by the audience." He found it tricky for "someone famous to play someone else famous".{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/news/movies-tv/42-director-brian-helgeland-making-jackie-robinson-biopic-148605/|title='42' Director Explains The Making Of The Jackie Robinson Biopic|date=April 12, 2013 |publisher=Vibe|access-date=16 December 2024}}
{{multiple image
| total_width = 400
| direction = horizontal
| align = right
| footer = ({{abbr|L|Left}} to {{abbr|R|right}}) Chadwick Boseman (pictured in 2016), Harrison Ford (2017), and Nicole Beharie (2014)
| image1 = Chadwick Boseman (28017825484) (cropped 2).jpg
| image2 = Harrison Ford 2017.jpg
| image3 = Nicole Beharie SDCC 2014 (cropped).jpg
}}
Boseman had been directing an off-Broadway play in the East Village when he auditioned for the role,{{Cite web |last=Miller |first=Julie |date=April 12, 2013 |title='42' Star Chadwick Boseman on Playing Jackie Robinson, Copying His Baseball Moves, and Being Stood Up by the President |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/04/chadwick-boseman-42-interview |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412224106/http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2013/04/chadwick-boseman-42-interview |archive-date=April 12, 2015 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |website=Vanity Fair}} and was considering giving up acting to pursue directing full-time.{{Cite web |last=Riley |first=Daniel |date=September 2014 |title=The Surprisingly Sudden Arrival of Chadwick Boseman |url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/celebrities/201410/chadwick-boseman |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218065325/https://www.gq.com/story/chadwick-boseman |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |website=GQ}} About twenty-five other actors had been seriously considered for the role, but director Brian Helgeland liked Boseman's bravery in choosing to read the most difficult scene, in which Robinson goes down a stadium tunnel and breaks a bat in anger, and cast him after he had auditioned twice.{{Cite web |last=Herndon |first=Jessica |date=April 8, 2013 |title=Chadwick Boseman: The Distinguished Rise of Cinema's Next Champion |url=http://flaunt.com/people/chadwick-boseman/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180218090256/http://www.flaunt.com/content/people/chadwick-boseman |archive-date=February 18, 2018 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |website=Flaunt}}{{Cite news |last=Jenkins |first=Mark |date=April 11, 2013 |title=Jackie Robinson film '42' opens, starring Howard graduate Chadwick Boseman |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/jackie-robinson-film-42-opens-starring-howard-graduate-chadwick-boseman/2013/04/11/dbdc8664-9e02-11e2-a941-a19bce7af755_story.html |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605020012/https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/jackie-robinson-film-42-opens-starring-howard-graduate-chadwick-boseman/2013/04/11/dbdc8664-9e02-11e2-a941-a19bce7af755_story.html |archive-date=June 5, 2016 |access-date=April 29, 2015 |newspaper=The Washington Post}}{{Cite web |date=April 12, 2013 |title=Chadwick Boseman says playing Jackie Robinson in '42' had him 'vibrating with excitement' every day |url=https://www.al.com/entertainment/2013/04/chadwick_boseman_says_playing.html |first= Bob|last= Carlton|url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224120207/https://www.al.com/entertainment/2013/04/chadwick_boseman_says_playing.html |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=December 23, 2020 |website=The Huntsville Times}} Part of the audition process involved playing baseball; Boseman had been involved with Little League as a child but was primarily a basketball player growing up, saying that in this part the casting directors likely noticed his athleticism rather than specifically baseball skills.
Rachel commented that Boseman's performance was like seeing her husband again.{{Cite news |last=Coyle |first=Jack |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Chadwick Boseman didn't just play icons. He was one. |work=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/65222b7aea6069506d718a7429526d91 |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829200138/https://apnews.com/65222b7aea6069506d718a7429526d91 |archive-date=August 29, 2020}} To replicate Robinson's mannerisms, Boseman trained for five months with professional baseball coaches, noting they "would tape [his] practices every few weeks, and they would basically split-screen [his technique] with [Robinson's]" to allow him to compare. After having portrayed football player Ernie Davis in The Express, Boseman was encouraged by stunt coordinator Allan Graf to approach running bases in the same way, as Robinson had also been a college football player.{{Cite web |title=In '42,' A Young Star Suits Up For A Hero's Role |url=https://www.npr.org/2013/04/06/176357603/learning-how-to-steal-bases-like-jackie-robinsonay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224120205/https://www.npr.org/2013/04/06/176357603/learning-how-to-steal-bases-like-jackie-robinsonay |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=December 23, 2020 |website=NPR}} Upon taking the role, Boseman first spoke with Rachel Robinson, which he said was of great help in discovering the character. Boseman met Hank Aaron, whose career briefly overlapped with Robinson's. Aaron shared his experiences with racial adversity in baseball, helping Boseman deepen his understanding of the role. When Aaron visited the set, Boseman said it felt as if Robinson himself were there.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/14/sports/baseball/channeling-jackie-robinson-for-starring-role-in-42.html|title=Immersing Himself to Play a Pioneer|work=New York Times|date=April 13, 2013 |access-date=19 February 2025 |last1=Kepner |first1=Tyler }}
Initially, Helgeland was hesitant to cast Ford, seeking a character actor for the role of Rickey.{{cite magazine |title=How Harrison Ford revealed his true 'character' in '42' |url=https://ew.com/article/2013/12/15/harrison-ford-42-best-of-2013/ |magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} However, Ford's persistence and dedication to the role, including studying Rickey's life and adopting significant physical transformations, won Helgeland over.{{cite web |title=Harrison Ford takes the field in '42' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2013/04/11/harrison-ford-jackie-robinson/2001783/ |website=USA Today}} Ford's commitment to embodying Rickey involved wearing a fat suit, prosthetics, and mastering Rickey's distinctive voice and mannerisms. He researched Rickey's life, listened to recordings from the Baseball Hall of Fame, and worked with a voice coach to capture Rickey's distinct speech. "I loved the language of the guy, I loved his style," Ford noted. In a 2023 interview with James Hibberd of The Hollywood Reporter, Ford said Branch Rickey is one of his roles he is most proud of.{{Cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-features/harrison-ford-interview-shrinking-indy-5-1923-1235318736/ |title=Harrison Ford: "I Know Who the F*** I Am" |last=Hibberd |first=James |author-link=James Hibberd (writer) |website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=February 8, 2023 |access-date=February 9, 2023}}
Nicole Beharie, who portrayed Rachel Robinson in 42, described her journey into acting as somewhat haphazard, influenced by her lively family. A Juilliard graduate, she was familiar with Robinson's historical significance but was unaware of the depth of his struggles and the profound impact he had beyond baseball; Beharie compared him to a "godfather of Barack Obama". In preparation for her role, Beharie had the opportunity to meet Rachel, who visited the set, provided insights, and shared personal details about her life and relationship with Jackie. Beharie recalled spending evenings speaking with Rachel{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/video/watch/vanities-42-s-nicole-beharie-on-meeting-jackie-robinson-s-wife|title=42's Nicole Beharie on Meeting Jackie Robinson's Wife|access-date=19 February 2025|work=Vanity Fair}} and reading letters exchanged between Jackie and Rachel while he was on the road, describing their correspondence as "the most incredible love story" and a key element that drew her to the role.{{cite web|url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/photos/2013/03/nicole-beharie-photos-42?srsltid=AfmBOoqWMZfUMpQFIDZiMRwj5MXlsFBuJuDVXlJnoJJD7p3pYH-IVRdy|title=A Line Drive|access-date=19 February 2025|work=Vanity Fair|date=February 11, 2013 }}
{{quote box
| quote = "When you're doing a character, you want to know the full landscape. You want to know them spiritually, mentally and physically. So I asked [Rachel Robinson]: were there any physical things that he did that stood out. We sat down for hours and talked about his personality and what his tendencies were"... The way [Jackie Robinson] stood, and the way he held his hands in the backfield...all of those physical things I tried to do".{{Cite web |date=2020-10-28 |title=Chadwick Boseman on Playing Jackie Robinson in '42' |url=http://www.essence.com/celebrity/chadwick-boseman-landing-role-lifetime-playing-jackie-robinson-42/ |access-date=2024-05-08 |website=Essence |language=en-US}}
| source = Boseman telling Essence about his talks with Rachel Robinson
| width = 30%
}}
=Filming and special effects=
In the spring of 2012, Engel Stadium in Chattanooga, Tennessee, served as a stand-in for Ebbets Field in Brooklyn, New York.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/thats-a-wrap-chattanooga-tennessee-42/|title=Moviemakers finish filming scenes for '42' in Chattanooga|date=June 15, 2012 |publisher=Chattanooga Times Free Press|access-date=17 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250210163409/https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jun/15/thats-a-wrap-chattanooga-tennessee-42/|archive-date=10 February 2025}} Filming at the stadium began on April 21, 2012. Some interior scenes were shot at Atlanta Film Studios Paulding County in Hiram, Georgia.{{cite web|last=McAllister|first=Cameron|title=Review: "42"|url=http://www.reelga.com/2013/04/review-42.html|publisher=Reel Georgia|date=April 22, 2013}} 42 was partially filmed in historic Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama,{{cite web|url=https://www.afi.com/news/afi-movie-club-42/|title=AFI Movie Club: 42|access-date=5 April 2025|publisher=American Film Institute}} serving as a stand-in for several major and minor league ballparks. The Tutwiler Hotel was also used to depict Philadelphia's Ben Franklin Hotel in a scene where the Brooklyn Dodgers were turned away due to Robinson's race. The production hired between 600 and 700 local extras during its filming in Alabama.{{cite web |last=Underwood |first=Jerry |date=April 11, 2013 |title=Alabama film industry gets boost from April premieres of 42, Space Warriors |url=https://www.madeinalabama.com/2013/04/alabama-film-industry-gets-boost-from-42-premiere/ |access-date=5 April 2025 |publisher=Made in Alabama}} The filming of 42 was a significant economic boost for Chattanooga, with an estimated $5 million injected into the local economy. Filming in Chattanooga marked the longest-running and largest-budget production the city had hosted at that time, surpassing previous Hollywood projects such as Water for Elephants and Deliverance.
Supervising art director Thomas Hoover and the visual effects team, led by Jamie Dixon of Hammerhead, utilized historical research, scanned architectural drawings, and digital modeling to construct a 1,200-foot-long, 40-foot-high green screen for scenes set in Ebbets Field. The visual effects team digitally rendered the outfield and portions of the infield.{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/features/general/immersed-in-movies-recreating-iconic-ebbets-field-for-jackie-robinson-biopic-42-198472/|title=Immersed in Movies: Recreating Iconic Ebbets Field for Jackie Robinson Biopic '42'|access-date=2 April 2025|work=IndieWire|date=April 12, 2013 }} Engel Stadium was used as the foundation for the recreation, as it was one of the oldest existing ballparks and had historical ties to Robinson. The production adapted the structure by modifying its layout to match Ebbets Field's dimensions, adjusting the infield angles, and reconstructing key elements such as the dugout, scoreboard, and fences. In addition to Engel Stadium, the film used Luther Williams Field in Macon, Georgia, and Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, both of which had connections to Robinson's career. Engel Stadium also served as a stand-in for Crosley Field in Cincinnati.
Boseman's deep character study enabled him to note when his stunt double was playing Robinson incorrectly, and he insisted on doing his own stunts,{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZJYv5xjT-4 |title=Chadwick Boseman Insisted on Doing His Own Stunts in 42 |language=en |access-date=2024-05-08 |via=www.youtube.com}}{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqKEsk1R75s |title=Chadwick Boseman on Portraying Jackie Robinson in '42' |language=en |access-date=2024-05-08 |via=www.youtube.com}} but former minor league player Jasha Balcom was Boseman's stunt double for some scenes.{{cite news|last=Kepner|first=Tyler|title=Immersing Himself to Play a Pioneer|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/04/14/sports/baseball/channeling-jackie-robinson-for-starring-role-in-42.html?pagewanted=all|work=The New York Times|date=April 13, 2013 |access-date=April 16, 2013}} Using old photographs and stadium blueprints, Shibe Park, The Polo Grounds, Sportsman's Park, and Forbes Field were also recreated for the film using digital imagery.{{cite web |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/chattanooga-stadium-ebbets-field-42-article-1.1307131?localLinksEnabled=false |title=Film wizard Richard Hoover turns Chattanooga's Engel Stadium into Brooklyn's Ebbets Field in 42 |last1=Fine |first1=Marshall |date=7 Apr 2013 |website=New York Daily News |publisher=Mortimer Zuckerman |access-date=21 July 2013}} Inflatable people were used in the stands for reference for the visual effects team and were replaced with individual fans shot individually against a blue screen. Home base and the infield were moved, the scoreboard and outfield ads were recreated, and the rest of the field was green-screened so the stands could be added. Extras, many of whom were local residents, filled roles as players and other period-specific figures. After filming wrapped in Chattanooga in June, the green screen setup around Engel Stadium remained in place for weeks in case additional shots were needed.{{Cite news|title=Review: "42" (***½)|url=https://georgiaentertainmentnews.com/2013/04/review-42-%C2%BD/|access-date=2020-10-03|newspaper=Georgia Entertainment News|date=April 22, 2013 |last=Georgia |first=Reel }} The green billboards were torn down later.{{cite web|url=https://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2012/jul/31/chattanooga-movie-sets-taken-down-at-engel/|access-date=7 February 2025|title=Movie sets taken down at Chattanooga's Engel Stadium|date=July 31, 2012 |publisher=Chattanooga Times Free Press}}
=Music=
{{Main|42 (soundtrack){{!}}42 (soundtrack)}}
42{{'}}s soundtrack features an orchestral score composed by Mark Isham who developed the main themes through piano at his in-built studio in his house.{{Cite web |last=Abrams |first=Bryan |date=2013-04-11 |title=Scoring Giants: Mark Isham on Composing the Jackie Robinson Biopic 42 |url=https://www.motionpictures.org/2013/04/scoring-giants-mark-isham-on-composing-the-jackie-robinson-biopic-42/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210723211742/https://www.motionpictures.org/2013/04/scoring-giants-mark-isham-on-composing-the-jackie-robinson-biopic-42/ |archive-date=2021-07-23 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website= |publisher=Motion Picture Association |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Burlingame |first=Jon |date=2013-06-28 |title=Mark Isham: Sound Investment Starts at Home |url=https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/mark-isham-42-composer-1200502232/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130831124403/https://variety.com/2013/biz/news/mark-isham-42-composer-1200502232/ |archive-date=2013-08-31 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} The score had emphasis on French horns and solo trumpet, being the voice of Robinson. WaterTower Music released the score album on April 9, 2013, along with an accompanying soundtrack that featured the songs heard in the film.{{Cite web |last=Isham |first=Mark |date=2013-04-09 |title=42 (Original Motion Picture Score) |url=https://www.watertower-music.com/release/42-original-motion-picture-score/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230810232328/https://www.watertower-music.com/release/42-original-motion-picture-score/ |archive-date=2023-08-10 |access-date=2025-01-23 |publisher=WaterTower Music}}{{Cite web |date=2013-04-09 |title=42 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) |url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/42-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1454874842 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124071229/https://music.apple.com/us/album/42-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/1454874842 |archive-date=2025-01-24 |access-date=2025-01-24 |publisher=WaterTower Music |via=Apple Music}} Bilge Ebiri of Vulture called it as "predictably twinkly, treacly score" while noting the presence of four musical crescendos in the first fifteen minutes.{{Cite web |last=Ebiri |first=Bilge |author-link=Bilge Ebiri |date=2013-04-11 |title=Movie Review: In 42, If You're Good at Baseball, Nothing Else Really Matters |url=https://www.vulture.com/2013/04/movie-review-jackie-robinson-biopic-42.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130414040142/https://www.vulture.com/2013/04/movie-review-jackie-robinson-biopic-42.html |archive-date=2013-04-14 |access-date=2025-01-23 |website=Vulture |language=en}}
Release
=Marketing=
Marriott International collaborated with Warner Bros. to promote Marriott Rewards, the company's loyalty program, to African American audiences. On February 25, 2013, Marriott launched a month-long sweepstakes on Facebook offering daily prizes, including tickets to 42 and a grand prize of an all-expenses-paid trip to the film's premiere on April 9, 2013, in Los Angeles. A special trailer for 42 featuring Chadwick Boseman was shown on LodgeNet entertainment systems in over 1,000 Marriott Hotels across the United States. Key cards distributed at Marriott hotels in 11 cities, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, featured promotional materials about the Facebook contest. Marriott also hosted exclusive screenings of 42 for members of its loyalty program in Boston, Chicago, Houston, San Francisco, and Phoenix.{{cite web|access-date=15 January 2025|work=New York Times|title=Marriott Ties in With '42' to Promote Loyalty Program|date=March 18, 2013 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/18/business/media/marriott-ties-in-with-42-to-promote-loyalty-program.html |last1=Levere |first1=Jane L. }}
On April 15, 2013, Jackie Robinson Day was celebrated at Dodger Stadium. During the Los Angeles Dodgers game against the San Diego Padres, the film's trailer was shown on the stadium's video boards. Kelley Jakle, a cast member of the film and the great-granddaughter of Branch Rickey, performed "God Bless America". Harrison Ford and Boseman, along with other cast members of 42, participated in pre-game ceremonies and media interviews at Dodger Stadium.{{cite web|access-date=15 January 2025|title=Jackie Robinson film '42' capitalizes on Dodgers for promotion|website=Los Angeles Times |date=April 5, 2013 |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/la-xpm-2013-apr-05-la-et-ct-jackie-robinson-film-42-dodgers-20130404-story.html}} Ford threw the game's ceremonial first pitch.{{cite web|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2022/07/12/a-look-back-at-harrison-fords-action-packed-life-and-career/|work=New York Daily News|access-date=16 January 2025|title=A look back at Harrison Ford's action-packed life and career|date=July 12, 2022 }}
The 30 teams of Major League Baseball organized private screenings for thousands of students from eighth to twelfth grade across the United States and Canada. Commissioner Bud Selig hosted the first screening in Milwaukee, joined by Jackie Robinson's daughter, Sharon Robinson. Selig described the film as depicting "the proudest moment in baseball history" and emphasized its role in educating future generations about Robinson's impact on the nation.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/mlb-teams-taking-students-to-see-film-42|title=MLB, teams taking students to see film '42'|access-date=18 February 2025|work=Fox Sports}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/mlb-to-host-42-screenings-for-teens/|access-date=18 February 2025|publisher=CBS News|title=MLB To Host "42" Screenings For Teens|date=April 23, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/2013/04/22/mlb-teams-taking-students-to-see-film-42/2103495/|title=MLB, teams taking students to see film '42'|access-date=21 February 2025|work=USA Today}}
=At the White House=
File:040213 FLOTUS FilmWorkshop HD.webm workshop video of 42, April 2, 2013.]]
On April 2, 2013, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a screening of the film at the State Dining Room of the White House for 80 high school and college students from across the country.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/michelle-obama-screens-jackie-robinson-432382/|title=Michelle Obama Screens Jackie Robinson Biopic '42' With Harrison Ford|access-date=24 February 2025|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 2, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/news/42-gets-a-white-house-obamas-1200332074/|title=The Ultimate Screening: '42' Gets a White House Endorsement|access-date=26 February 2025|work=Variety|date=April 2, 2013 }} A question-and-answer session featured Robinson's widow Rachel, and members of the cast and crew, including Boseman, Ford, and director-screenwriter Brian Helgeland.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/michelle-obama-praises-jackie-robinson-movie/|title=Michelle Obama praises Jackie Robinson movie|date=April 2, 2013 |access-date=24 February 2025|publisher=CBS News}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2013/04/jackie-robinson-biopic-42-screening-at-white-house-tonight-harrison-ford-thomas-tull-in-attendance-465831/|access-date=20 February 2025|title=Jackie Robinson Biopic '42' Screening At White House Tonight; Harrison Ford & Thomas Tull In Attendance|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=April 2, 2013 }} The panel was moderated by Paulette Aniskoff, Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. Michelle noted that both she and President Barack Obama{{Cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/04/02/michelle-obama-42-jackie-robinson/|title=Jackie Robinson biopic '42' gets high praise from Michelle Obama|access-date=24 February 2025|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/people/2013/04/02/michelle-obama-hails-new-jackie-robinson-film-at-white-house/2046835/|title=Michelle Obama goes to bat for Jackie Robinson film|access-date=24 February 2025|publisher=USA Today}} found the film "very powerful" and encouraged students to recognize that success requires perseverance rather than innate talent.{{cite web|url=https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2013/04/02/first-lady-michelle-obama-hosts-42-movie-workshop-students|publisher=Obamawhitehouse.gov|access-date=18 February 2025|title=First Lady Michelle Obama Hosts a "42" Movie Workshop for Students|date=April 2, 2013 }} According to ESPN, Michelle gave 42 a glowing review.
=Premiere=
42 premiered at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles, on April 9, 2013. People present included cast members, Rachel, rapper Big Sean, actresses Naya Rivera and Calista Flockhart, and football player Bill Cowher.{{cite web|title='42' premiere in Los Angeles|url=https://www.upi.com/News_Photos/Entertainment/42-premiere-in-Los-Angeles/7605/|access-date=29 January 2025|publisher=UPI}} 42 also premiered at AMC Barry Woods Theater in Kansas City on April 11, 2013, a day before its nationwide release on April 12 by Warner Bros.,{{cite web|url=https://solzyatthemovies.com/2021/11/05/42-the-jackie-robinson-story/ |title=42: The Jackie Robinson Story |first=Danielle |last=Solzman|date=November 5, 2021 }} as a benefit for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.{{Cite web|url=https://www.kmbc.com/article/hollywood-hall-of-famers-attend-42-premiere/3675370|title=Hollywood, Hall of Famers attend '42' premiere|date=April 12, 2013 |access-date=29 November 2024|publisher=}} Boseman, Ford, and Robinson's son David were present in the premiere; Ford participated in the fundraiser.{{cite web|url=http://www.kshb.com/dpp/entertainment/kan-based-company-helps-bring-42-to-kansas-city|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411055431/http://www.kshb.com/dpp/entertainment/kan-based-company-helps-bring-42-to-kansas-city|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 11, 2013|title=Kansas-based company helps bring 42 to Kansas City|publisher=Associated Press via KSHB-TV website|date=March 20, 2013|access-date=March 21, 2013}}
Reception
=Box office=
{{multiple image
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| image1 = P040213PS-1244 (8735987202).jpg
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| footer = Barack Obama talks with Rachel Robinson, hosting a screening of 42 with Robinson family members, cast, and crew in the White House Family Theater, April 2, 2013.
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42 grossed $95 million in the United States and $2.5 million in other territories, for a worldwide total of $97.5 million, against a production budget of $40 million. The film earned $27.3-27.5 million for its opening weekend, the best-ever debut for a baseball-themed film.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/detroit/news/42-sets-baseball-movie-record-for-opening-weekend/ | title='42' Sets Baseball Movie Record for Opening Weekend - CBS Detroit | website=CBS News | date=April 15, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2013-04-17/why-42-had-the-most-successful-opening-weekend-of-any-baseball-movie-ever?leadSource=uverify%20wall|access-date=19 December 2024|title=Why '42' Had the Most Successful Opening Weekend of Any Baseball Movie Ever|work=Bloomberg |date=April 17, 2013 }} This surpassed the previous highest opening of $19.6 million set by The Benchwarmers (2006) and Moneyball{{'}}s $19.5 million (2011).{{cite web|publisher=CNN|url=https://www.cnn.com/2013/04/15/showbiz/movies/42-box-office-ew/index.html|access-date=17 January 2025|title=Box office report: '42' knocks it out of the park with $27.3 million|date=April 15, 2013 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/jackie-robinson-biopic-42-hits-box-office-home-run-85666/ |title=Jackie Robinson Biopic '42' Hits Box-Office Home Run|access-date=17 January 2025|date=April 14, 2013 }} 42 then made $17.7 million and $10.7 million on its second and third weekends, finishing second and third, respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/release/rl4181820929/weekend/?ref_=bo_rl_tab#tabs|title=42|access-date=3 April 2025|publisher=Box Office Mojo}}
According to Forbes, the film's opening "not only is that the biggest baseball opening weekend on record, it's the biggest baseball-themed opening weekend even when adjusted for inflation."{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/scottmendelson/2013/04/14/weekend-box-office-42-sets-record-scary-movie-5-bombs-oblivion-launches-overseas/|title=Weekend Box Office: '42' Sets Record, 'Scary Movie 5' Bombs, 'Oblivion' Launches Overseas|access-date=3 April 2025|work=Forbes}} The film's opening was especially positive for Warner Bros., which had seen disappointing performances from previous films like Bullet to the Head, Beautiful Creatures, and The Incredible Burt Wonderstone, each of which had earned under $25 million in the United States. 42 had a 3.0x weekend multiplier; the audience demographic was skewed towards 52% male and 83% aged 25 and older, indicating a mature audience. The film was expected to maintain strong box office performance through April, thought to surpass $100 million. Additionally, 42 was anticipated to have a significant post-theatrical life due to continued airing on networks like TNT. Forbes also noted that 42 faced a significant disparity in box office revenues due to the limited international appeal of baseball films, with most of its earnings coming from the U.S. Despite Robinson's status as an American sports and civil rights icon, the intricacies of baseball and his historical significance did not resonate as strongly with foreign audiences, leading to a minimal overseas release and low international ticket sales.{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dorothypomerantz/2013/04/14/jackie-robinson-and-the-economics-of-baseball-movies/|title=Jackie Robinson And The Bad Economics Of Baseball Movies|access-date=4 April 2025|work=Forbes}}
=Home media=
42 was released on DVD and Blu-ray on July 16, 2013. The DVD release sold 1.3 million units ($18 million), becoming the 33rd highest-grossing of 2013 in the United States by units sold.{{cite web|url= https://www.the-numbers.com/home-market/dvd-sales/2013|access-date=20 October 2024|title=Top-Selling DVDs in the United States 2013}}
=Critical response=
On Rotten Tomatoes, 42 holds an approval rating of 81% based on 197 reviews, with an average rating of 6.90/10. The website's critics consensus reads, "42 is an earnest, inspirational, and respectfully told biography of an influential American sports icon, though it might be a little too safe and old-fashioned for some."{{cite web |url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/42_2013 |title=42 (2013) |work=Rotten Tomatoes |publisher=Fandango Media |access-date= November 20, 2022}} On Metacritic, the film holds a weighted average score of 62 out of 100, based on 40 critics, indicating "generally favorable" reviews.{{cite web |url=http://www.metacritic.com/movie/42 |title=42 Reviews |work=Metacritic |publisher=CBS Interactive |access-date= September 1, 2020}} Audiences polled by CinemaScore gave the film a rare "A+" grade.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/grade-puts-hit-42-classy-company-signaling-longevity-box-offic-85756/|title='A+' CinemaScore Grade Puts Hit '42' In Classy Company – Signaling Longevity at Box Office|date=2013-04-15|website=TheWrap |access-date=2020-03-02}}{{cite web |date=2013-04-23|last1=Snider |first1=Eric |title=Eric D. Snider's Movie Column: What Is a 'Cinemascore'? |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/2770531/what-is-cinemascore/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211007133523/https://www.mtv.com/news/2770531/what-is-cinemascore/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 7, 2021 |website=MTV News |quote=Almost as widely reported yet perhaps more revealing: it earned a rare A+ CinemaScore from audiences.}}
{{quote box
| quote = "It was important to me because I wanted it to be an authentic piece. I wanted to get it right. I didn't want them to make him an angry black man or some stereotype, so it was important for me to be in there. ... I love the movie. I'm pleased with it. It's authentic and it's also very powerful."{{cite web|last=Haylock|first=Rahshaun|title=Rachel Robinson reflects on role in making '42'|date=April 15, 2013|url=http://www.foxsportswest.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/story/Rachel-Robinson-reflects-on-role-in-maki?blockID=892631|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130629074705/http://www.foxsportswest.com/mlb/los-angeles-dodgers/story/Rachel-Robinson-reflects-on-role-in-maki?blockID=892631|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2013|publisher=FOX Sports Interactive Media|access-date=17 May 2013}}
| source = Rachel Robinson on the end result of 42 for Fox Sports
| width = 30%
}}
Richard Roeper wrote, "This is a competent but mostly unexceptional film about a most extraordinary man."{{cite web|url=https://www.richardroeper.com/reviews/42.aspx |title=42 (RichardRoeper.com) |first=Richard |last=Roeper}} Lisa Kennedy, of the Denver Post, lauded the film, saying "This story inspires and entertains with a vital chapter in this nation's history."{{cite news|first=Lisa|last=Kennedy|date=April 12, 2013 |url=http://www.denverpost.com/movies/ci_22997842/42-gives-baseball-great-jackie-robinson-but-also|title=Movie review: "42" gives baseball great Jackie Robinson, but also heroism, its due|newspaper=The Denver Post|accessdate=April 16, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.korsgaardscommentary.com/2013/04/42.html |title=42 » Korsgaard's Commentary |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006083625/https://www.korsgaardscommentary.com/2013/04/42.html |first=Sean |last=Korsgaard |archive-date=2013-10-06 |date=October 6, 2013}} Conversely, Peter Rainer of The Christian Science Monitor, criticized the film as "TV-movie-of-the-week dull", noting the "exclusion of virtually everything else in [Robinson's] life."{{cite news|first=Peter|last=Rainer|date=April 12, 2013|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Movies/2013/0412/42-is-a-dull-treatment-of-Jackie-Robinson-s-story?nav=397-csm_subcategory-leadStory|title='42' is a dull treatment of Jackie Robinson's story|newspaper=Christian Science Monitor|accessdate=April 16, 2013}} The film's actors were generally praised, with Owen Gleiberman saying of Ford, "He gives an ingeniously stylized cartoon performance, his eyes atwinkle, his mouth a rubbery grin".{{cite magazine|first=Owen|last=Gleiberman|authorlink=Owen Gleiberman|date=April 29, 2013|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/04/29/42-2/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|title=42}} The Hollywood Reporter commented that Boseman "has the necessary appeal, proves convincing as an athlete and is expressive in spite of the fact that the man he's playing must mostly keep his true feelings bottled up."{{cite magazine|first=Tom|last=McCarthy|date=April 9, 2013|url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/42-film-review-434880|title=42: Film Review|magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}} Geoff Boucher of Entertainment Weekly noted that Alan Tudyk's portrayal of Phillies manager Ben Chapman in 42 "put a face to the racism" Robinson endured, showing how prejudice was often delivered with a smirk as much as a scowl.{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/04/15/42-alan-tudyk-jackie-robinson/|title=42: Alan Tudyk puts an unexpected face on racism|access-date=25 February 2025|magazine=Entertainment Weekly}} In a positive review, Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post referenced the scene of racial unity between Pee Wee Reese (Lucas Black) and Robinson as emblematic of 42{{'}}s "cumulative, undeniable momentum".{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/ann-hornaday-reviews-42/2013/04/11/7b4c9118-a109-11e2-9c03-6952ff305f35_story.html|title=Ann Hornaday reviews '42'|access-date=25 February 2025|newspaper=The Washington Post}}
File:P040213PS-1159 (cropped).jpg, April 2, 2013.]]
Critics, even those who viewed the film negatively, felt that Boseman being a relatively unknown actor was a benefit when playing an icon and an athlete; Mick LaSalle of San Francisco Chronicle wrote that "as [...] played by Chadwick Boseman, Robinson is a hero we can recognize",{{Cite web |last=LaSalle |first=Mick |date=April 11, 2013 |title='42' review: Big league entertainment |url=https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/42-review-Big-league-entertainment-4427464.php |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224120206/https://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/42-review-Big-league-entertainment-4427464.php |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |access-date=December 23, 2020 |website=San Francisco Chronicle}} and Mary Pols for Time said that "Boseman is not a hugely close physical match to Robinson, except for perhaps in the power he conveys, but he's a great choice to play the ball player".{{Cite news |last=Pols |first=Mary |date=April 12, 2013 |title=42: The Jackie Robinson Biopic Is a Solid Hit |language=en-US |magazine=Time |url=https://entertainment.time.com/2013/04/12/42-the-jackie-robinson-biopic-is-a-solid-hit/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224120207/https://entertainment.time.com/2013/04/12/42-the-jackie-robinson-biopic-is-a-solid-hit/ |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |issn=0040-781X}} The Guardian{{'s}} Mike McCahill noted that "Boseman hits his key scenes out of the park", but felt the film would not interest people who are not baseball fans,{{Cite web |date=September 12, 2013 |first=Mike|last= McCahill|title=42 – review |url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/12/42-review |access-date=December 23, 2020 |website=The Guardian}} with Dana Stevens of Slate suggesting that the film made black history "squeaky-clean" and did both Robinson and Boseman's performance as him a disservice.{{Cite news |last=Stevens |first=Dana |date=April 11, 2013 |title=42 |language=en-US |work=Slate |url=http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2013/04/_42_the_jackie_robinson_movie_reviewed_topic_movies.html |url-status=live |access-date=December 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224120207/http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2013/04/_42_the_jackie_robinson_movie_reviewed_topic_movies.html |archive-date=December 24, 2020 |issn=1091-2339}} IndieWire critic Gabe Toro wrote that 42 avoids being "yet another studio film where the white man battles a gauntlet of adversity to allow for a Civil Rights victory."{{cite web|url=https://www.indiewire.com/criticism/culture/review-42-admirably-carefully-weaves-together-the-history-of-baseball-civil-rights-99600/|title=Review: '42' Admirably & Carefully Weaves Together The History Of Baseball & Civil Rights|work=IndieWire|date=April 10, 2013 |access-date=2 April 2025}}
When writing about Helgeland's past filmography and Boseman's portrayal of Robinson, Scott Foundas of Variety noted, "for all of 42{{'}}s self-conscious monument building, the cumulative effect is to render its subject markedly smaller and more ordinary than he actually was."{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2013/film/reviews/film-review-42-1200339020/ |title=Film Review: '42' |date=April 10, 2013 }} Mark Kermode of The Guardian wrote, "It's inspirational fare, although such a remarkable story perhaps deserves a rather more remarkable movie."{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/sep/15/42-jackie-robinson-film-review|access-date=14 January 2024 |title=42 – review |work=The Observer |date=September 14, 2013 |last1=Kermode |first1=Mark }} John Harlt of The Seattle Times described 42 as "a kind of feel-good movie about racism", writing that Hegeland's obsession with dates and places "are problematic", yet that 42 "offers a very good place to start". John Baldoni of Forbes noted raw honesty between Robinson and Rickey, particularly when Robinson is challenged by Rickey to be "strong enough not to fight back" against racists taunts."{{cite web|access-date=15 January 2025|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/johnbaldoni/2013/05/28/42-what-we-can-learn-from-the-power-of-myth-making/|work=Forbes|title='42': What We Can Learn From The Power Of Myth Making}}
=Accolades=
=Boseman posthumous=
Boseman died at his Los Angeles home as a result of complications related to colon cancer on August 28, 2020, at the age of 43.{{Cite news |last1=Maxouris |first1=Christina |last2=Vera |first2=Amir |date=August 29, 2020 |title='Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman dies at 43 |publisher=CNN |url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/entertainment/chadwick-boseman-dies/index.html |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829044156/https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/28/entertainment/chadwick-boseman-dies/index.html |archive-date=August 29, 2020}}{{Cite web |date=August 28, 2020 |title='Black Panther' star Chadwick Boseman passes away at 43 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/black-panther-star-chadwick-boseman-dies-of-cancer-at-43/articleshow/77815479.cms |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201221041242/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/black-panther-star-chadwick-boseman-dies-of-cancer-at-43/articleshow/77815479.cms |archive-date=December 21, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020 |newspaper=The Economic Times}} MLB and the Dodgers issued statements honoring Boseman, in light of his acclaimed portrayal of the player.{{Cite news |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Actor Chadwick Boseman dies at 43; Jackie Robinson role among acting triumphs |publisher=ESPN |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29762813/actor-chadwick-boseman-dies-43-jackie-robinson-role-acting-triumphs |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829105839/https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29762813/actor-chadwick-boseman-dies-43-jackie-robinson-role-acting-triumphs |archive-date=August 29, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Calvario |first=Liz |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Dodgers Honor Chadwick Boseman as They Celebrate Jackie Robinson Day |work=Entertainment Tonight |url=https://www.etonline.com/dodgers-honor-chadwick-boseman-well-never-forget-your-iconic-performance-as-jackie-robinson-152206 |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829105847/https://www.etonline.com/dodgers-honor-chadwick-boseman-well-never-forget-your-iconic-performance-as-jackie-robinson-152206 |archive-date=August 29, 2020}} Numerous publications noted Boseman died on the observance of Jackie Robinson Day,{{efn|Jackie Robinson Day is April 15, but in 2020 was observed on August 28 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.}} seven years after his having portrayed Robinson.{{Cite magazine |last=Russian |first=Ale |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Chadwick Boseman Died on Jackie Robinson Day 7 Years After He Played the Sports Legend in 42 |url=https://people.com/movies/chadwick-boseman-died-jackie-robinson-day-7-years-after-playing-icon-in-42/ |url-status=live |magazine=People |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829105848/https://people.com/movies/chadwick-boseman-died-jackie-robinson-day-7-years-after-playing-icon-in-42/ |archive-date=August 29, 2020 |access-date=August 29, 2020}}{{Cite news |last=Quinn |first=Sam |date=August 29, 2020 |title=Chadwick Boseman, Hollywood star and lead actor in '42,' dies at age 43 on MLB's Jackie Robinson Day |work=CBS Sports |url=https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/chadwick-boseman-hollywood-star-and-lead-actor-in-42-dies-at-age-43-on-mlbs-jackie-robinson-day/ |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200829105856/https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/chadwick-boseman-hollywood-star-and-lead-actor-in-42-dies-at-age-43-on-mlbs-jackie-robinson-day/ |archive-date=August 29, 2020}} Several theater chains, including AMC and Regal, re-released the film in September after Boseman's death.{{Cite news|url= https://deadline.com/2020/09/chadwick-boseman-42-movie-to-play-amc-theatres-1203028554/ |title= Chadwick Boseman's Jackie Robinson Pic '42' To Play This Weekend In Celebration Of Actor's Work |author= Anthony D'Alessandro |website= Deadline Hollywood |date= September 1, 2020|access-date= September 1, 2020}} In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, Ford said "Chadwick Boseman was as compelling, powerful and truthful as the characters he chose to play".{{Cite web|title=Harrison Ford Calls Chadwick Boseman "As Much a Hero as Any He Played"|website=The Hollywood Reporter |date=August 31, 2020 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/harrison-ford-calls-chadwick-boseman-as-much-a-hero-as-any-he-played-4052953/|access-date=7 February 2025}}
Analysis
=Themes and interpretations=
A central theme of 42 is integration, particularly Jackie Robinson's entry into Major League Baseball as a challenge to segregation. Signed by Brooklyn Dodgers general manager Branch Rickey, Robinson's presence in the league forces America to confront its racial divisions.
Robinson's struggle is met with violent and psychological resistance. Opposing pitchers target him, base runners spike him with their cleats, and he receives death threats against himself and his family.{{cite web|url=https://notevenpast.org/review-42-2013/|title=42 (2013) Not Even Past|date=April 27, 2013 |access-date=9 February 2025|publisher=Not Even Past}} A key moment highlights opposing manager Ben Chapman relentlessly taunting him with racist insults, testing Robinson's ability to endure without retaliation. NPR positions Robinson as a symbol of nonviolent resistance, embodying the philosophy of "turning the other cheek".{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/12/27/257389769/42-gets-the-story-of-jackie-robinson-right|title='42' Gets The Story Of Jackie Robinson Right|publisher=NPR|access-date=19 February 2025}} NPR also noted that 42 portrayed Robinson's integration of Major League Baseball with a high degree of accuracy. Stanford professor and Robinson biographer Arnold Rampersad stated that "fundamentally, the story is accurate".
File:Reese-Robinson scene in 42.png in Cincinnati has been widely received.{{cite web|access-date=7 April 2025|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/why-we-love-baseball-jackie-robinson-pee-wee-reese-moment|work=MLB.com|title=Why We Love Baseball: The Embrace}}{{cite web|access-date=7 April 2025|url=https://www.slate.com/articles/arts/movies/2013/04/_42_the_jackie_robinson_movie_reviewed_topic_movies.html|publisher=Slate|title=42|date=April 11, 2013 }}{{cite web|access-date=7 April 2025|url=https://www.nbcsports.com/mlb/news/today-in-baseball-history-pee-wee-reese-allegedly-puts-his-arm-around-jackie-robinson|title=Today in Baseball History: Pee Wee Reese allegedly puts his arm around Jackie Robinson|date=May 13, 2020 |publisher=NBC Sports}}{{cite web|url=https://ew.com/article/2013/04/19/what-42-says-about-what-audiences-want/|title='42': Its success tells us something surprising about what audiences want|publisher=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=10 February 2025}}]]
Branch Rickey's role in Robinson's career is initially framed as a financial decision, likened to an early form of "moneyball".{{cite web|url=https://screencrush.com/42-review/|title='42' Review|date=April 10, 2013 |access-date=10 February 2025|publisher=Screencrush}} Robinson's integration also forces his teammates to take a stance. Initially, many resist Dodgers sign a petition against playing with him. Meanwhile, Pee Wee Reese, a white teammate from Kentucky, publicly puts his arm around Robinson in front of a hostile Cincinnati crowd, demonstrating allyship in the face of public racism. According to NPR, the character of Wendell Smith, a black sportswriter assigned to cover Robinson, reflects the role of the press in shaping public perception. Though the film condenses multiple historical figures into Smith's character, it highlights how journalists, including those omitted from the film like Daily Worker writer Lester Rodney, played a crucial role in pushing for integration.
During an intimate talk at the Gene Siskel Film Center, André Holland reflected on his role as Wendell in 42, emphasizing the importance of accurately portraying historical figures. He stated, "If I'm going to play people, real people, I've got to do everything I can to tell the truth about what happened. It's a form of violence, I think, to obscure the truth." Holland had prepared for the role by meeting with Smith's widow to understand his legacy, but he was disappointed when crucial scenes depicting Smith's advocacy for Robinson were cut from the final film. Forbes staff Scott Mendelson noted that the film's African American stars, Boseman and Nicole Beharie, might face challenges in securing high-profile roles in mainstream Hollywood films, citing the limited opportunities for non-white actors in major studio productions. Mendelson further commented on the "glass ceiling" for non-white actors, particularly women, in Hollywood. Nevertheless, the success of 42 highlighted the demand for mainstream films featuring African American talent, with the hope that studios might take note of the film's positive reception.
Ford emphasized the film's broader message, stating that 42 is not just a sports story but a reflection on racial equality in America. "This is a movie about the history of racial equality in the United States, and it makes it visceral history", he said. Helgeland also hoped the film would encourage more positive and diverse portrayals of African Americans in cinema. Boseman highlighted the film's portrayal of a black love story on a major Hollywood platform. He continued, "I realized that I had not seen two black people in love in a major motion picture", hoping 42 would set a precedent for future films. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times Helgeland explained that he deliberately included the racially charged language Robinson faced, particularly in a sequence depicting Philadelphia Phillies manager Ben Chapman's relentless verbal assault on Robinson. "Those words had to be violent", Helgeland said. "If we trivialized it, some people might say, 'Oh, he didn't have it so bad.'"{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-xpm-2013-apr-12-la-et-mn-42-filmmaker-racially-charged-language-20130412-story.html|title='42' director: I didn't soft pedal racially charged language|access-date=26 February 2025|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 12, 2013 }} In contrast, Alan Tudyk publicly shared his discomfort over the language of Chapman's character.
=Accuracy=
SB Nation noted inaccuracies in Ed Charles's age and interaction with Robinson while in Daytona Beach, as well as the purported home run by Robinson in what is supposedly the Dodgers' pennant-clinching victory.{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/2013/4/19/4240660/fact-checking-42-jackie-robinson-movie |title=Digging into the facts of "42"|work=SB Nation|date=April 19, 2013}} Pirates pitcher Fritz Ostermueller threw left-handed, not right-handed as in the film. His first-inning pitch hit Robinson on the left wrist, not his head, and he claimed it was a routine brushback pitch without racist intent. There was no fight on the mound afterwards.{{cite news |first=Wally |last=Kennedy |newspaper=The Joplin Globe |location=Joplin, Missouri |publisher=Community Newspaper Holdings |title='It didn't happen that way'; Daughter of pitcher in '42' says movie unfair to her father |url=http://www.joplinglobe.com/topstories/x508493672/-It-didn-t-happen-that-way|date=May 5, 2013 |access-date=May 6, 2013}}
See also
{{Portal|United States|Film|Sports|Baseball|2010s}}
References
= Notes =
{{notelist}}
= Citations =
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commons category}}
- {{Official website|https://www.warnerbros.com/movies/42}}
- {{IMDb title|0453562|42}}
- {{Mojo title|42|42}}
- [http://www.beyondchron.org/the-untold-story-of-jackie-robinsons-i-never-had-it-made/42] at Beyond Chron
- [https://www.obamalibrary.gov/digital-research-room/search?items_per_page=20&page=441 Obama White House archive pictures]
{{Jackie Robinson}}
{{Los Angeles Dodgers}}
{{Kansas City Monarchs}}
{{Brian Helgeland}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:42 (film)}}
Category:Cultural depictions of Jackie Robinson
Category:2013 biographical drama films
Category:2010s English-language films
Category:2010s sports drama films
Category:African-American biographical dramas
Category:American baseball films
Category:American sports drama films
Category:African-American films
Category:Biographical films about sportspeople
Category:English-language biographical drama films
Category:English-language sports drama films
Category:Films about racism in the United States
Category:Films directed by Brian Helgeland
Category:Films produced by Thomas Tull
Category:Films scored by Mark Isham
Category:Films set in New York City
Category:Films set in Manhattan
Category:Films set in Brooklyn
Category:Films set in California
Category:Films set in Philadelphia
Category:Films set in Pittsburgh
Category:Films set in Cincinnati
Category:Films set in St. Louis
Category:Films shot in Alabama
Category:Films shot in Georgia (U.S. state)
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Category:Legendary Pictures films