Much like Cobb before it, this dramatized account of the life and times of Jackie Robinson filmed one of its iconic baseball scenes at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, lending the action of the film the type of period-appropriate patina that makes it come alive in the mind of the viewer. A powerful and inspiring look at Robinson’s transformational career as both a player and civil rights pioneer, the movie was originally set to be directed by Spike Lee, but ended up being taken over by Robert Redford, and later director Brian Helgeland, following disputes over scheduling and other issues. Starring the late Chadwick Boseman as Robinson— who replaced Spike Lee’s original choice for the role, Denzel Washington— alongside Harrison Ford playing legendary baseball manager and player Branch Rickey, the film was a compelling look at the significant racism Robinson had to overcome as the first African-American allowed to play in the major leagues, breaking down the color barrier in professional sports in 1947 when he was signed to Brooklyn Dodgers as a first baseman. Given Birmingham’s own significant history with racism and the Civil Rights era, it was only fitting that the Magic City would play a role in helping tell the story of one of the 20th century’s most revolutionary sports figures, opening the movie as it showed Robinson playing in one of the country’s Negro leagues at Rickwood as a member of the Kansas City Monarchs.
FUN FACT: Birmingham plays another significant role in the film as part of its general narrative arc, when Magic City native and Brooklyn Dodgers’ catcher Bobby Bragan initially refuses to be seen on the field alongside Robinson, only to be inspired by his grit, courage and determination in the face of daunting racism, ultimately making him want to stay on the team and support his teammate as he softens the hearts and minds of those around him.
Trailer Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HALfME0wjeU