NEW ULM – The next film in the New Ulm Film Society’s lineup of baseball movies is “42,” a true story about one the most important chapters in sports history.

The screening begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 8, at the New Ulm Public Library.

Released in 2013, “42” is a biopic about player Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Before 1947, Major League Baseball like most of the United States was segregated based on race. Only White players were allowed to play in the Major Leagues and African American players were regulated to play in the Negro Leagues. Though the Negro Leagues received fewer resources and less mainstream attention, there were many talented players. Some team owners and managers in the Major League Leagues were tempted to recruit African Americans to play on their teams. In 1945, Brooklyn Dodgers owner, Branch Rickey (played by Harrison Ford) becomes the first to openly recruit a player from the Negro Leagues. In 1947, Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman), joined the Dodgers becoming the first Black man to openly play in Major League Baseball. 

In the film and in real life, Rickey asks Robinson to join the Dodgers on the condition that he resists fighting back. Rickey was aware that as the first African American in the Major Leagues, Robinson would face a lot of hostility from fans and other players. Rickey knew that Robinson could not win over the public by fighting back. He famously told Robinson he wanted a player “who’s got the guts ‘not’ to fight back.”

Robinson accepted the terms to not fight back, but it was not easy. From the beginning, he received backlash from some of his own teammates. During away games, there were hotels that would not allow the Dodgers to stay because of Robinson. His safety was threatened on the field as well. During the 1947 season, Robinson was hit by pitches nine times. This was the most of any single player. Despite these setbacks, the Dodgers would go on to win the National League pennant and reach the World Series. 

Robinson’s achievements effectively shattered the color barrier in baseball. Other African American players would join the Majors in the years that followed. In 1997, Robinson’s number 42, was retired from baseball.

The film was in development for many years. It was initially planned in development in 1995 by director Spike Lee. In 2004, Robert Redford attempted to produce a Robinson biopic. Redford almost played Branch Rickey. 

The 2013 film would ultimately be made with the assistance of Robinson’s widow, Rachel Robinson. She helped coach actor Chadwick Boseman in matching her husband’s mannerisms. At the time of the filming, Boseman was directing an off-Broadway play and was considering giving up acting. The role of Jackie Robinson proved to be a breakthrough role for Boseman who was heavily praised for his performance. 

A Minor League Baseball player was hired as a stunt double for Boseman, but Boseman insisted on doing most of his stunts. He felt the stunt double was not matching Robinson’s mannerisms enough. Boseman dedication paid off. Critics praised “42” for the performances and revitalized Boseman’s career.

The New Ulm Film Society’s screening of “42” is free to the public. Before and after the film, there will be a discussion about the film’s place in film history.