As baseball season gets into swing, what a perfect time for Hollywood to roll out the carpet for the much anticipated premiere of '42'. '42' is based on the incredible true story of Major League Baseball's Jackie Robinson and stars Chadwick Boseman, Harrison Ford and Nicole Beharie.
At TCL Chinese Theater, the carpet was lined with backdrops illustrating memorable images of Jackie Robinson making amazing leaping catches and sliding into base. As he strolled the carpet, the star of the film, Chadwick Boseman stopped to talk with his fellow cast mates, including Harrison Ford and others. Harrison Ford walked the carpet with wife Calista Flockhart . Calista looked stunning in her elegant blue gown, a perfect Dodgers tribute! Brooklyn native Alyssa Milano shared this event with her father and looked spectacular in her elegant white dress. As the stars walked the carpet, it soon became clear that this premiere was special...much bigger than words can describe. This night was about honoring the man who made sports history and served as a role model for the world.
Some notable baseball greats such as Hank Aaron and Goose Gossage also participated in this event to honor the legendary number 42. The highlight of the evening was when the Robinson family, led by widow, Rachel Robinson walked the carpet. It was so inspiring to see the family there to celebrate Jackie's accomplishments and to see his story live on.
'42' illustrates the courage and strength of two men who faced tremendous scrutiny and overcame incredible odds. Branch Rickey, played by Harrison Ford made a historic decision in 1947 to sign Jackie Robinson, played by Chadwick Boseman to the Brooklyn Dodgers. This monumental event allowed Jackie to cross over Major League Baseball's notorious color line and paved the way for people of all races to participate in sports. The journey Rickey and Robinson took was incredibly difficult with negative racist reactions from the public, the media and even Robinson's own team members. Jackie Robinson showed an amazing amount of courage and did not react to the criticisms. Instead, Robinson focused on demonstrating his talent on the ball field which eventually brought him respect from his teammates, fans and the media.
Major League Baseball honored Jackie Robinson in 1997 by officially retiring his number 42 for all teams in the league, which was the first time a number was universally retired in sports. On Jackie Robinson Day each year (April 15th), players from each team proudly wear the number 42 to pay tribute to the man who paved the way for so many others.
'42' was written and directed by Academy Award winner Brian Helgeland, best known for his work on LA Confidential. '42' opens in theaters on April 12, just in time for Jackie Robinson Day and is distributed by Warner Bro's Pictures in coordination with Legendary Pictures.
