By Signal Staff
Buzz Classic Movies takes a look back at the breaking of the color barrier in baseball this weekend with a Saturday night showing of “The Jackie Robinson Story,” starring Jackie Robinson as himself.
The 1950 film has earned a 63% “fresh” rating from the critics based on eight reviews, and a 51% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ “Popcornmeter” based on more than 500 ratings.
Already a groundbreaking pro athlete, Robinson also earned praise from film critics for his acting prowess.
“After a successful baseball career in college and as a coach in the military, Jackie Robinson (playing himself) attracts the attention of Major League Baseball’s Branch Rickey (Minor Watson),” says the Rotten Tomatoes summary of the movie. “Rickey wants Robinson to play in the minor leagues, believing he can become the first player to break the color barrier and play in the majors. The only catch: He is forbidden from defending himself against racial bigotry. Supported by his wife (Ruby Dee), Robinson is steadfast in his determination to win.”
“Here the simple story of Mr. Robinson’s trail-blazing career is re-enacted with manifest fidelity and conspicuous dramatic restraint,” critic Bosley Crowther wrote in a 2006 New York Times review. “And Mr. Robinson displays a calm assurance and composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star.”
“The Jackie Robinson Story” streams at 8 p.m. Saturday on The Signal’s streaming channel, The Buzz, available at buzzscv.com as well as streaming platforms including Roku and Apple TV.