Three-Base Hit

Rating: 9/10 (13 September 2013)

I loved this movie. Couldn't get enough of it. Would certainly see it again. And here's the thing; I've never seen a baseball fired in anger in my life. I have read several books about baseball, not least Roger Kahn's outstanding chronicle of the 'Jackie Robinson' Dodgers, The Boys Of Summer. Kahn was writing about his own years travelling with the team in his capacity as sports writer and those years were 1951 - 1952, when Robinson had long been integrated and his battles were behind him. He was, however, still playing, as was Pee Wee Reese who also features in the film. By that time, of course, black players were a fixture in baseball largely, but not solely thanks to Robinson. This film is good on relationships not least Jackie and his wife Rachel and so fine are the two actors that it's almost impossible to watch their scenes together without succumbing to tears. Harrison Ford, an actor I can take or leave is equally brilliant as Branch Rickey. A wonderful film.