42
Written by
Brian Helgeland
White - March 14, 2012
Blue Revised - April 7, 2012
Pink Revised - April 19, 2012
Yellow Revised - April 24, 2012
Green Revised - April 27, 2012
Goldenrod Revised - May 9, 2012
Buff Revised - May 29, 2012
Salmon Revised - June 4, 2012
Cherry Revised - June 11, 2012
Tan Revised - June 25, 2012
Double White Revised - June 28, 2012
Double Blue Revised - July 9, 2012
PINK REV 4-19-12 1.
A1 WHITE A1
Fills the screen. Falling from the top of frame to the
bottom. Pluming off into dust. White, white, white. We
move toward it even as it recedes, always out of reach.
Finally we pop out wide and high to reveal...
The white is chalk. An old BLACK GROUNDSKEEPER lays down the
right field line on a baseball diamond.
1 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY 1
Blinds closed. Dust motes in the air. A large GOLDFISH TANK
bubbles. BRANCH RICKEY at his desk. Two photos on the wall:
Abe Lincoln & Leo Durocher. CHALKBOARDS covered with 100's
OF NAMES, every player in the Dodger organization.
CLYDE SUKEFORTH and HAROLD PARROTT sit across from Rickey
who stares at them. Sukeforth stares back. Parrott nervous.
RICKEY
Gentlemen, I have a plan... As of
now, only the Board of Directors
and my family know.
Sukeforth and Parrott exchange a look.
SUKEFORTH
A plan's always good, Mr. Rickey.
And you always got one.
RICKEY
My wife says I'm too old, That my
health isn't up to it. My son says
that every one in baseball will be
against me. But I'm going to do it.
Parrott looks to Sukeforth who keeps his eyes on Rickey.
SUKEFORTH
Do what, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
I'm going to bring a Negro
ballplayer to the Brooklyn Dodgers.
PARROTT
With all due respect, sir, have you
lost your mind? Imagine the abuse
you'll take from the newspapers
alone. Never mind how it'll play
on Flatbush. Please, Mr. Rickey.
Rickey looks dismissively at Parrott, over to Sukeforth.
PINK REV 4-19-12 1A.
RICKEY
There's no law against it, Clyde.
SUKEFORTH
There's a code. Break a law and
get away with it, some people think
you're smart. Break an unwritten
law though, you'll be an outcast.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 2.
RICKEY
So be it. New York is full of
Negro baseball fans; every dollar
is green. I don't know who he is,
or where he is, but he's coming.
CUT TO:
2 EXT. RICKWOOD FIELD - BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - NIGHT 2
The big Birmingham Black Barons CATCHER behind the plate as
Kansas City Monarchs JOHN SCOTT stands at bat. The catcher's
attention on the RUNNER DANCING off first. Stomping a foot,
feinting, hard to see clearly in the glare of the lights.
CATCHER
Where'd you learn to move like
that, runner?! At dime a dance
night?! Stay quiet!
INSERT: Birmingham, Alabama. April 8, 1945.
On the first pitch the runner takes off. The catcher fires to
second. See it from his POV as the runner slides in “SAFE!”
A foot on the bag, the runner dusts off, heckles the catcher:
RUNNER
Is that the best you got?! Huh?!
I'm going to steal nine, ten bases
today! You better start counting!
The catcher frowns. Standing, we see he is a big, big man.
CATCHER
(ALABAMAN)
Where's your shortstop from?
JOHN SCOTT
(LOUISIANAN)
California.
CATCHER
He's got a mouth on him.
Shaking his head, the catcher gets back in his crouch,
signals the PITCHER. On the wind-up, the Runner is off
again. The catcher fires to THIRD: “Safe!”
RUNNER
You got a rag arm, catcher!
CATCHER
Steal home! You'll find out what
kind of arm I got!
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 3.
RUNNER
Okay, I'm coming!
The Catcher looks over at Scott who chuckles.
CATCHER
California, huh?
(SCOTT NODS)
Well California here he goes, if he
comes down here.
The Catcher gets back down in his squat. Signals the
pitcher: fastball. Scott digs in, ready. The runner dancing
off third. Here comes the wind-up...
The Runner takes off even as the pitcher fires it in. The
Birmingham Catcher receives it. As the Runner slides --
The Catcher intentionally drives his glove, the ball and both
hands into the runner's face -- WHALLOP! Sound drops as
we're knocked flat senseless along with the runner.
ON HIM now as he tries to push himself up from the dirt. A
close look at JACK ROOSEVELT ROBINSON. A born battler, he
shakes out the cobwebs, finally lurches to his feet, looks to
the UMPIRE. He never heard the call.
JACK
What was I?
The umpire passes one hand over the other: Safe. Jack looks
over at the catcher, gives him a pointed look as he goes --
The catcher shoves him in the back. Jack turns, shoves back.
As the two men wrestles each other to the ground --
CUT TO:
3 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY 3
Rickey and Sukeforth going through stacks of FILES on the
desk. A black ballplayer's picture is clipped to each. As
Rickey reviews one, Sukeforth tries to hand him another.
SUKEFORTH
Josh Gibson. Oh boy can he hit.
RICKEY
No.
SUKEFORTH
No?
Rickey won't take the file; the answer is no.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 4.
SUKEFORTH
Alright. Roy Campanella.
Sukeforth holds it out; Rickey won't take it.
RICKEY
A heck of a player. But too sweet,
they'll eat him alive.
SUKEFORTH
(holds up file)
Satchel Paige then.
Parrott enters carrying an armful of files.
RICKEY
Too old. We need a man with a
future not a past.
(holds up his own
FILE)
Here. Jack Roosevelt Robinson.
As Parrott sets them on the desk, they start to slide off,
spilling to the floor. Helpless to stem the tide, Parrott
looks down, surrounded by black faces...
RICKEY
(flips through file)
A four sport college man, out of
UCLA. That means he's played with
white boys.
(SCANS FILE)
Twenty-six years old, now with the
Kansas City Monarchs. Batting over
350 even as we speak. 350! And he
was a commissioned army officer!
SUKEFORTH
He was court-martialed. A trouble
maker. He argues with umpires. A
quick temper is his reputation.
Rickey is obviously keen on him.
PARROT
What was he court-martialed for?
RICKEY
For refusing to sit in the back of
a military bus.
(checks the file)
Ft. Hood, Texas. The driver asked
him to move back. The MPs had to
take him off.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 5.
SUKEFORTH
Do you see?
RICKEY
I see he resents segregation. If
he were white, we'd call it spirit!
PARROT
If he were white, sir, we wouldn't
be looking for him.
Rickey ends the debate...
RICKEY
Robinson's a Methodist. I'm a
Methodist. God's a Methodist. We
can't go wrong. Find him. Bring him
here.
CUT TO:
4 EXT. FILLING STATION - INTERSTATE 24 - DAY 4
A BLOODHOUND watches as a BUS pulls into a SERVICE STATION,
the tires RING the bell hose. A million miles easy on this
road rumbler. The BANNER reads: KC Monarchs.
Insert: Interstate 24, Missouri - August 24, 1945.
The DRIVER steps off. The fellas follow, getting off to
stretch their legs. Hot and tired. A WHITE ATTENDANT
saunters out. The driver steps over to meet him.
ATTENDANT
Fill her up?
DRIVER
Yes, sir.
The attendant starts unscrewing caps on two 50-GALLON TANKS.
ATTENDANT
Where you all headed?
DRIVER
Chicago.
As the attendant shoves down a pump, starts filling, Jack
steps off. He spots and heads for a restroom. White Men
Only lettered on the door. The attendant roused as he sees.
ATTENDANT
Hey! Where you going, boy!?
BLUE REV 4-07-12 6.
Everyone looking over as Jack stops.
JACK
I'm going to the toilet.
ATTENDANT
Shit, boy, c'mon. You know you
can't go in there.
Jack does a slow burn, then suddenly strides toward the
attendant. The air rife with tension.
JACK
Take that hose out of the tank.
ATTENDANT
Huh?
DRIVER
ROBINSON --
JACK
Take it out. We'll get our ninety-
nine gallons of gas someplace else.
The attendant blinks. He takes a look from Jack to up and
down the deserted highway. No business in sight.
ATTENDANT
Okay, use it. But don't stay in
there too long.
Jack heads back. The Driver, the players, a bit stunned.
CUT TO:
5 INT. WHITE MEN ONLY REST ROOM - FILLING STATION - DAY 5
Jack splashes water on his face, rips a paper towels from the
dispenser, pats his face dry. He balls the wad up, squeezes
it in his fist before firing it into the trash. He considers
his reflection in the mirror. As he regards himself, we hear
the SERVICE BELL ring outside.
CUT TO:
6 EXT. FILLING STATION - HIGHWAY 24 - DAY 6
A car has pulled up. The driver talks to several players.
They look over as Jack exits. The driver is Clyde Sukeforth.
SUKEFORTH
Are you Jackie Robinson?
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12 7.
7 OMITTED 7
8 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - MONTAGUE ST, BROOKLYN - DAY 8
Blinds closed. Jack sits across the desk from Rickey.
Sukeforth sits a little further back. Rickey is staring at
Jack. Bushy eyebrows flared, light gleams off his glasses.
INSERT: August 28, 1945. Brooklyn.
Jack doesn't know what to do, looks to Sukeforth. Finally...
RICKEY
Do you have a girl?
JACK
Excuse me?
RICKEY
A man needs a family relying on
him. It insures he'll behave
responsibly. Do you have a girl?
JACK
I think so.
RICKEY
You think so?
Jack looks to Sukeforth who smiles placidly. Back to Rickey.
WHITE 3-14-12 8.
JACK
I don't make much money. Between
the army and now baseball I've been
away a lot. And Rae, Rachel, she
wants to finish school. Considering
all that, I say I think so.
RICKEY
Do you love her? Rachel?
(JACK CONFUSED)
Don't you know?
JACK
Yes, sir, very much.
RICKEY
Marry her.
What? Rickey stands, walks to a window. Jack looks at
Sukeforth who raises a hand as if to say: Give it a chance.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
Baseball's a hard life; a man needs
a good woman by his side. You
don't want the only person waiting
for you at home to be a catcher.
Sukeforth chuckles at that. Rickey fingers open a slat on
the blind and peers out. Jack looks hard at him.
JACK
Coach Sukeforth here said you were
starting a new Negro League. That
doesn't make sense to me.
MR. RICKEY
It doesn't, huh? Are you calling
us liars, Jack?
JACK
What's this about, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
This is about baseball.
Rickey opens the shade. Sunlight floods in. Rickey follows
it to the chalkboard, to the list of players under Montreal.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
I see you starting in the spring
with our affiliate in Montreal. If
you make it there, we'll try you
down here with the Dodgers. The
white Brooklyn Dodgers.
Jack looks to Sukeforth who nods: Yes, you heard right.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 9.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
I'll pay you $600 a month and a
$3,500 bonus when you sign the
contract. Is that agreeable?
Believe it or not that's a lot of money to Jack on this day
in time. This is all becoming a bit overwhelming.
JACK
Yes, sir. That's fine.
RICKEY
There is one condition. I have a
pile of scouting reports. I know
you can hit behind the runner, that
you can read a pitch. The question
is can you control your temper?
JACK
My temper?
RICKEY
Yes your temper! Are you deaf?!
Rickey furious, the avuncular old man gone. Jack sits there,
fists now balled. Rickey to Sukeforth like he's not there:
RICKEY (CONT'D)
He looks proud. Willful.
SUKEFORTH
He'll need to be.
Rickey looks back to Jack who is as angry as he is confused.
RICKEY
I want to win! I want ballplayers
who can win! Are you one of them?!
JACK
Yes.
RICKEY
A black man in white baseball.
Imagine the reaction. The vitriol.
Rickey strides forward, gets in his face.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
The Dodgers check into a hotel. A
decent good hotel. You're worn out
from the road and some clerk won't
give you the pen to sign in.
(SOUTHERN DRAWL)
We got no room, boy, not even down
in the coal bin where you belong.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 10.
Jack looks like he wants to tear Rickey apart.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
The team stops at a restaurant.
The waiter won't take your order.
(adopts a new voice)
Didn't you see the sign on the
door? No animals allowed.
(LOOMING)
What are you going to do then?
Fight him? Ruin all my plans?
Answer me, you black sonofabitch!
JACK
(MASTERS HIMSELF)
Do you want a ballplayer who
doesn't have the guts to fight
back? Is that what you want?
RICKEY
I want one who has the guts not to
fight back! There are people who
will not like this. They will do
anything to get you to react. If
you echo a curse with a curse, they
will only hear yours. Follow a
blow with a blow and they will say
a Negro lost his temper; that the
Negro does not belong. Your enemy
will be out in force, but you can
not meet him on his own low ground.
We win with hitting, running and
fielding, nothing else. We win if
the world is convinced of two
things: that you are a fine
gentlemen and a great ballplayer.
Like our Savior, you must have the
guts to turn the other cheek.
Jack considers Rickey. Rickey looks worn out.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
Can you do it?
Jack poised at what will be his Rubicon. He crosses.
JACK
Mr. Rickey, you give me a uniform,
you give me a number on my back,
and I'll give you the guts.
CUT TO:
PINK REV 4-19-12 11.
9 INT. HALLWAY - ISUM HOUSE - LOS ANGELES - DAY 9
A phone RINGS on a table. RACHEL ISUM steps in, 23,
possessed of style that you can only be graced with.
RACHEL
Hello?
CUT TO:
10 INT. LOBBY PAYPHONE - 215 MONTAGUE STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 10
Jack in a PHONE BOOTH, the lobby busy beyond.
JACK
Rae, I'm in Brooklyn.
INTERCUT THE FOLLOWING:
RACHEL
Brooklyn? For what?
JACK
I don't want to say on the phone.
In fact, I'm not supposed to tell
anyone.
She can hear the tingle in his voice.
RACHEL
Jack?
JACK
I'm here, Rae
RACHEL
What's going on? You're supposed
to be playing in Chicago?
JACK
We've been tested you and me. Our
loyalty, our faith. We've done
everything the right way. Me
trying to make money. You
finishing school. Separated by the
war, now by baseball. We don't owe
the world a thing. Only each other.
She's actually getting a little scared now.
RACHEL
Jack, what are you talking about?
What happened?
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 12.
JACK
The Brooklyn Dodgers just signed me
to play ball up in Montreal. It
might lead to bigger things. To
something wonderful.
RACHEL
What does it mean? For you and me?
JACK
Rae. Will you marry me?
RACHEL
Absolutely. When?
JACK
Now.
RACHEL
(LAUGHING)
Jack, I don't think we can get
married in a phone booth.
CUT TO:
11 OMITTED 11
11 A INT. HALLWAY - THE CLARK HOTEL - LOS ANGELES - NIGHT 11 A
Jack rounds a corner in a TUXEDO, the bow tie undone. Rachel
follows in her WEDDING GOWN. They look beautiful.
RACHEL
Did my mom look happy?
JACK
Yes.
They reach the door. Jack gets out a key to unlock it.
Rachel looks nervous, steps back across the hall.
RACHEL
Did my gram look happy?
Swinging the door open, he looks at her. The air charged.
JACK
Everyone looked happy. I've never
seen so many people looking happy.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 12A.
RACHEL
Did Jack Robinson look happy?
(SOFT)
What if I can't make you happy?
He steps over, aware of her shyness.
JACK
Too late. You already do. It's
you and me, Rae.
RACHEL
Until the wheels fall off.
(UNCERTAIN)
The world is waiting for us.
JACK
It can wait one more night
(KISSES HER)
Are you coming, Mrs. Robinson?
RACHEL
(kisses him back)
I'd follow you anywhere, Mr.
Robinson.
He picks her up, carries her over the threshold. As the door
clicks shut behind them...
CUT TO:
12 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 12
The shades closed; we're scheming again. WENDELL SMITH sits
across from Rickey who stares back intently. Bespectacled,
32, Smith covers baseball for the Pittsburgh Courier.
RICKEY
Who's the best shortstop you ever
saw?
SMITH
Rabbit Tavener.
RICKEY
Rabbit Tavener? And you call
yourself a sports writer?
WHITE 3-14-12 13.
SMITH
Yes, a sentimental one. I'm from
Detroit. He was the Tiger
shortstop when I was a boy. How
about you? Who's your best?
RICKEY
Pop Lloyd.
SMITH
Not Honus Wagner?
RICKEY
Wagner is number two. And Rabbit
Tavener would not break my top 25.
Where do you suppose Jackie
Robinson will end up on that list?
SMITH
He won't break it. He doesn't have
a shortstop's arm. Robinson
belongs on second base.
RICKEY
Alright then, where would he rate
at second?
SMITH
If he was playing now he'd be the
best second baseman in the majors.
RICKEY
High praise. He'll have to be the
best in the minor leagues first.
SMITH
What are you saying, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
I'm saying it's going to be a very
interesting spring training. A lot
of players are coming back from the
war and with gas rationing over, we
can train down in Florida again.
SMITH
Daytona Beach?
(RICKEY NODS)
You're aware in the past six months
a black boy was lynched in Madison,
Florida and a black man down in
Live Oaks?
RICKEY
Those towns may as well be a
million miles from Daytona.
WHITE 3-14-12 14.
SMITH
Live Oaks is 150 actually.
RICKEY
I spoke to the Daytona mayor. He
assures me there'll be no trouble.
But Rickey doesn't sound so sure. They consider each other.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
Mr. Smith, are you a Communist?
SMITH
I'm a Democrat. Why do you ask?
RICKEY
I have a business proposition.
What's your salary at the Courier?
SMITH
Fifty dollars a week.
RICKEY
I will pay you an additional fifty
dollars a week plus expenses if you
will attend spring training with
Jackie Robinson. You will watch
over him, help him to avoid the
harm that could come if he were to
do or say anything out of turn.
You will act as his chauffeur, you
will secure accommodations for him
wherever the team may be, help him
find restaurants, etc...
SMITH
What's in it for me? Besides the
fifty dollars and a whole lot of
aggravation?
RICKEY
Unprecedented access for any
reportage you feel appropriate.
What do you say, Mr. Smith?
SMITH
I say yes, sir. If a Negro is good
enough to stop a Nazi bullet in
France; he's good enough to stop a
line drive at Yankee Stadium.
RICKEY
Ebbets Field actually, but yes, I
agree. The world is ready.
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12 15.
13 OMITTED 13
14 INT. BALLROOM - THE WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL - NIGHT 14
Over 500 guests: journalists, players and politicians all
listen politely as a SPEECH drones to an end.
INSERT: New York City. 23rd Annual Baseball Writer's
Association Dinner February 3, 1946.
SPEAKER
As our former President Herbert
Hoover remarked in his tribute to
our national pastime: ‘The rigid
voluntary rules of right and wrong,
as applied in baseball, are second
only to religion in strengthening
the morals of the American people.'
Polite applause as the speaker steps off. The clapping more
enthusiastic as the lights dim on all but an impromptu set:
plantation house columns. Hoots as a BUTLER appears wearing
satin knee breeches and a MONTREAL ROYALS jersey. He holds a
ring like a lawn jockey, a WHITE MAN in BLACK FACE. The
laughs get louder as he peers out with exaggerated wide eyes.
BUTLER
Lordy, lordy, it's looking like da
massa will be late dis ebning.
As the LAUGHS from the audience subside, a sportswriter
dressed as a COLONEL enters from stage right.
COLONEL
Robbie! Robbie!
BUTLER
Yassuh, Massa Kunl. Here Ah is.
Huge LAUGHS as he struts and dances his way over.
WHITE 3-14-12 16.
COLONEL
Jackie, you woolly headed rascal.
How long yo' been in the family?
BUTLER
Ebber since Massa Rickey done bots
me from da Kansas City Monarchs.
COLONEL
(aside to audience)
Rickey that no good carpetbagger!
What could he be thinking!
Huge LAUGHS from that one. Two people enjoying it we'll
recognize later as HERB PENNOCK and BOB COOKE.
BUTLER
Ah came near bein' killed last
night, Kunl.
COLONEL
How's that, Jackie boy?
BUTLER
Ah was comin' up a dark street and
three men was behind me. And they
tried to do me with a baseball bat.
COLONEL
You don't say?
BUTLER
Yes, suh. Ah recognized one of
dem. Ah'm gonna hab him arrested.
COLONEL
But I thought you said it was dark?
BUTLER
It was. But I know he played for
the Philadelphia Baseball Club. On
account of he struck at me three
times and never hit me once.
That brings the house down. Check out their laughing faces.
CUT TO:
15 EXT. LOCKHEED TERMINAL - BURBANK - DAY 15
A gleaming American Airlines DC-3 angled up on the tarmac.
PASSENGERS climb the portable stairs and disappear inside.
INSERT: February 28, 1946. Burbank, California
CUT TO:
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 17.
16 INT. TERMINAL - BURBANK - DAY 16
Jack and Rachel are being seen off by FRIENDS from the
wedding and his mother MALLIE. Jack is in a natty suit with
Rachel in a beautiful coat.
MALLIE
You knock the cover off that ball.
JACK
I will, Mama.
Mallie hugs Jack and then kisses Rachel.
MALLIE
Look after each other.
RACHEL
We will.
She reaches in her bag, brings out a cardboard SHOEBOX; it's
ever so slightly greasy at the bottom.
MALLIE
Take this. It's chicken.
JACK
They have food on the plane, Mama.
MALLIE
You never know what might happen.
I don't want you getting there
starving and too weak to hit.
Rachel gives Jack a subtle but emphatic look: No.
CUT TO:
17 EXT. LOCKHEED TARMAC - BURBANK - DAY 17
Jack escorts Rachel to the plane, the shoebox in hand.
JACK
I couldn't tell her no.
RACHEL
I know she means well; I just don't
want to be seen eating chicken out
of a box like some country bumpkin.
Jack runs his hand over her coat.
JACK
No one's going to mistake you for a
bumpkin in this.
PINK REV 4-19-12 18.
RACHEL
Well, they'll know I belong on that
plane or wherever I happen to be.
CUT TO:
18 EXT. DC-3 - DAY (STOCK FOOTAGE) 18
Descending toward a runway. Landing gear coming down.
CUT TO:
19 INT. TERMINAL - NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AIRPORT - DAY 19
A WOMAN exits the lady's room, passing a SIGN: White Only.
REVERSE to show Rachel looking at it like she's been slapped.
Jack joins Rae from the TICKET COUNTER, with the chicken box.
INSERT: New Orleans Lakefront Airport.
JACK
The flight to Pensacola leaves in
an hour... You okay?
RACHEL
I've just never seen one before.
JACK
(follows her look)
We're not in Pasadena anymore.
A sudden momentum carries her forward.
JACK
Honey... Rae --
He takes a step after her, stops as she disappears inside.
Jack unsure what to do. He looks around. Looks back. He
doesn't need this right now.
20 OMITTED 20
21 OMITTED 21
PINK REV 4-19-12 19.
22 INT. AIRPORT COFFEE SHOP - DAY 22
A black BUSBOY reacts as a bickering Jack and Rachel enter.
JACK
I promised Mr. Rickey we'd stay out
of trouble.
RACHEL
Did you promise him we wouldn't go
to the bathroom? You've done it.
JACK
Before I promised.
RACHEL
It was just a toilet. You'd think
the commodes were made of gold.
The busboy watches as Jack and Rachel slide into a booth. As
Jack reaches for a MENU, here comes the COOK.
COOK
You folks can't sit here.
JACK
Excuse me?
COOK
It's white only.
Jack looking to Rachel; it's equanimity time. Not easy.
COOK
I'll sell you some sandwiches. But
you gotta take ‘em to go.
Jack looks to the busboy, back to the cook.
JACK
No. You hang onto those.
Mastering himself, Jack slides out. Drilling the cook with a
look, he offers his hand to Rachel as she slides out as well.
CUT TO:
23 OMITTED 23
GREEN REV 4-27-12 20.
24 INT. TERMINAL - NEW ORLEANS LAKEFRONT AIRPORT - DAY 24
Seen from on high. Jack and Rachel, sitting on a bench, two
little figures as passengers move along the concourse. They
sit a bit apart from each other, the world a wedge.
CUT TO:
25 EXT. RUNWAY - PENSACOLA AIRPORT - NIGHT 25
SMOKE PINWHEELS as the wheels of a BOEING 247 touch down.
INSERT: Pensacola, Florida. Later that day.
CUT TO:
26 INT. BOEING 247 - TARMAC - NIGHT 26
Jack and Rachel worn out among eight other passengers. As
the door is opened, FOUR of the eight get up and disembark.
After a beat, FOUR NEW PASSENGERS board and take their seat.
JACK
Just a hop to Daytona now.
As Rachel nods, an AIRLINE EMPLOYEE boards, MISS BISHOP. She
makes her way over. She spots who she's looking for.
MISS BISHOP
Jack Robinson? Come with me.
She starts away without explaining, looks back at them a bit
impatiently.
MISS BISHOP
Come on now. Both of you.
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12 21.
27 INT. TICKET COUNTER - PENSACOLA AIRPORT - NIGHT 27
The shoe box sitting on the counter, Jack in mid discussion
with Miss Bishop. Rachel just behind Jack.
MISS BISHOP
We have to lighten the plane.
There's some bad weather east of
here. A heavy plane's dangerous.
RACHEL
(LOW)
Tell her you're with the Dodgers.
Jack would rather not play that card.
JACK
When's the next flight?
MISS BISHOP
Tomorrow morning. But it's booked.
So someone'll have to cancel.
Jack and Rachel unaware as a WHITE COUPLE are ushered out a
door and onto the tarmac behind them.
JACK
Look, I'm with the Brooklyn Dodger
organization. I've got to get down
to Daytona. I'm supposed to report
to spring training in the morning.
MISS BISHOP
We'll do our best to get you down
there by tomorrow afternoon, but it
might be the day after.
RACHEL
JACK --
He follows her gaze to where the white couple get on the
plane they got off. Jack wheels on Miss Bishop, furious.
JACK
You gave away our seats! Get us
back on that plane!
Miss Bishop picks up a PHONE, holds it in Jack's face.
MISS BISHOP
Do you want to call the Sheriff?
Or should I?
CUT TO:
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 22.
28 EXT. BUS STATION - PENSACOLA - NIGHT 28
Closed. A line of EMPTY BUSES; the BANNER on one: Daytona
Beach. Across from it Rachel sits at one end of a BENCH, her
fur pulled around her. Jack at the other, staring off into
the night. Finally, he reaches down, picks up the shoebox.
He pulls out a DRUMSTICK, considers it, then takes a bite.
JACK
Mama knew...
He holds it out to Rachel. She slides over, takes it, takes
a bite as well, smiles at him. He smiles back.
RACHEL
It's good.
CUT TO:
29 EXT. BASEBALL FIELD - DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - DAY 29
LEO DUROCHER hitting fungoes. One after the next. PEE WEE
REESE and EDDIE STANKY both settle under the same ball.
REESE STANKY
I got it! I got it! I got it! I got it!
They both back off at the last second and it drops to the
ground between them. Durocher chuckles.
DUROCHER
That's what spring training's for,
boys! Sort out our differences!
He hits another. This time to the outfield where veteran
DIXIE WALKER gives chase, finally gives up on it.
DUROCHER
C'mon, Dixie, get after it!
WALKER
(LAUGHING)
I'm old!
DUROCHER
I'm gonna squeeze one more year out
of that worn out body of yours!
WALKER
If you could, skipper, my wife
would sure appreciate it!
DUROCHER
Keeping the women happy! That's
what it's all about!
BLUE REV 4-07-12 23.
29 A EXT./INT. CONVERTIBLE - DAY 29 A
Rickey drives a dirt road through the training field singing
“Two Sleepy People” along with the radio: Passing BROOKLYN
DODGERS, MONTREAL ROYALS & ST. PAUL SAINTS on either side.
Durocher hits another as Rickey pulls up.
RICKEY
How are they looking, Leo?
DUROCHER
Rusty, Mr. Rickey. But we'll get
‘em oiled up and ready in no time.
You find your lost sheep yet?
Troubled, Rickey shakes his head ‘no'. As he does, Harold
Parrot hurries over. He's the Dodgers travelling secretary.
PARROTT
Jackie Robinson's on a bus leaving
Pensacola.
RICKEY
A bus? Harold, how in blazes did
he end up on a bus?!
BOB BRAGAN, in his catching gear, passing by with pitchers
RALPH BRANCA and KIRBY HIGBE. Higbe asides to Bragan:
HIGBE
Why don't they just put him on a
watermelon truck?
BRANCA
What's the matter with you guys?
BRAGAN
Not a thing, Branca, but we ain't
just two pretty faces either.
CUT TO:
30 EXT. GREYHOUND STATION - DAYTONA BEACH - SUNSET 30
Wendell Smith stands waiting as a BUS pulls in.
The big air brakes hiss. The doors open and the PASSENGERS
disembark. First a DOZEN WHITE FACES, then a DOZEN BLACK.
Last but not least, Rachel and Jack. They look exhausted.
SMITH
Jackie Robinson... Mr. Rickey sent
me to meet you. Wendell Smith.
Pittsburgh Courier. I'm going to
be your Boswell.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 24.
JACK
My who?
SMITH
Your chronicler, your advance man.
Hell, even your chauffeur.
(tips his hat)
Mrs. Robinson.
RACHEL
It's Rachel.
SMITH
Man, you two look wiped out.
JACK
(SHARP)
You got a car? Get us out of here.
CUT AHEAD TO:
31 EXT. SMITH'S BUICK (PARKED) - DAY 31
Jack and Smith carry the luggage. Smith's excited being
around Jack even if he is grumpy. As Smith unlocks the
Buick, Rachel considers a segregated pair of water fountains.
SMITH
You ever been down South before,
Rachel?
RACHEL
First time. We have our problems
in Pasadena, but not like this.
SMITH
Mr. Rickey says we follow the law.
If Jim Crow and the state of
Florida say Negroes do this and
that, then we do this and that.
RACHEL
(SOFTLY)
My life's changing right in front
of me. Who I am, who I think I am.
CUT TO:
32 EXT. THE HARRIS HOUSE - DAYTONA BEACH - DAY 32
Black neighborhood. The Buick stops at a nice looking house.
SMITH
Joe and Duff Harris live here. He
gets out the black vote, does a lot
of good for colored folks.
(MORE)
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 25.
SMITH (CONT'D)
Mr. Rickey set it up himself.
(IMITATES RICKEY)
If we can't put the Robinsons in
the hotels, they should stay some-
place that represents something.
Jack and Rachel exchange a look, the place seems nice.
SMITH
Brooklyn plays downtown; Montreal a
few blocks from here. You'll stay
with the Harrises except for a few
days at the end of the week. The
whole Dodger organization is going
to Sanford, about 45 minute away.
You'll stay here though, Rachel.
RACHEL
Where are the other wives staying?
SMITH
There are no other wives. You're
the only one Mr. Rickey allowed to
spring training.
As the HARRISES step out on the porch, wave hello...
CUT TO:
33 INT. STAIRWAY - THE HARRIS HOUSE - DAY 33
MRS. HARRIS leads Jack and Rachel up the stairs to a door at
the top. Mrs. Harris opens it.
MRS. HARRIS
I call this the love nest. I hope
you like it.
RACHEL
I'm sure. Thank you.
As Jack enters, Mrs. Harris starts back down.
MRS. HARRIS
Dinner's at five.
Rachel enters, closes the door behind her --
34 LOVE NEST 34
-- And accidentally knocks Jack onto the bed. She lands on
top of him. The room is impossibly small. It barely holds
their luggage and the BED they're on. As they look around:
JACK
It's a joke, right?
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 26.
RACHEL
I like it. The love nest.
She kisses him. He's starting to like it, too.
RACHEL
Remind me dinner's at five.
JACK
I'll try to remember...
As the kisses become more urgent...
CUT TO:
A35 INT. SMITH'S BUICK - DAYTONA TRAINING FACILITY - DAY A35
Smith pulls up alongside the team buses, looks across at Jack
who is just a little nervous.
SMITH
The first day of Spring Training.
My Pittsburgh Courier readers need
to know how it feels.
JACK
It's okay.
SMITH
That's not exactly a headline.
JACK
(BRUSQUE)
That's all I got.
SMITH
Look, Jack, right now it's just me
asking you. But you get on that
field and it's going to be the New
York Times and the Sporting News.
You should think about it.
JACK
If they ask something, I'll answer.
SMITH
Alright, but you know when you're
at the plate, you want to feel like
you see the pitch come in slow?
Well, you want to see the questions
come in slow, too.
Jack just looks at him. Gets out. Smith sighs.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 26A.
35 EXT. PLAYING FIELD - DODGERS DAYTONA FACILITY - DAY 35
As PLAYERS (Brooklyn, St. Paul & Montreal) warm up, practice,
Rickey sits on the bench, angry as he reads a NEWSPAPER.
Harold Parrott hurries over, something urgent on his mind.
Rickey on a rant; Parrott can't get a word in.
RICKEY
Listen to this, Harold. Whenever I
hear a white man - yours truly -
broadcasting what a Moses he is to
the Negro race, then I know the
latter needs a bodyguard.
(Parrott tries to
INTERJECT)
It is those of the carpetbagger
stripe of the white race - me again
- who under the guise of helping,
in truth are using the Negro for
their own selfish interest, thereby
retarding the race!
Parrott tries to interrupt again, but Rickey is furious.
RICKEY
The minor league commissioner of
baseball said that! I pay part of
his salary! You wouldn't stab me
in the back like this, would you?
PARROTT
(FINALLY)
He's here, Mr. Rickey.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 27.
RICKEY
Why didn't you say so?!
36 PLAYING FIELD 36
Jack crossing toward them in his Montreal Monarchs uniform
carrying a glove and a bat. 200 white players clocking him.
He's surrounded by REPORTERS and PHOTOGRAPHERS. It's the cue
for most of the batting and fielding and chatter among the
Dodgers, Royals and Saints to come to a stop.
Higbe forgets Bragan is throwing him a ball. It clocks him
in the chest.
Reese and Stanky passing a medicine ball.
REESE
That's him, huh?
STANKY
Take a wild guess.
Flash bulbs go off in Jack's face. Questions like punches.
Shouts of ‘Jackie' and then...
REPORTER ONE
Jackie, do you think you can make
it with these white boys?
Jack looks off to where Smith watches, back to the reporter.
See the questions slow. He answers with measure.
JACK
Sure, I had no problem with white
men in the service or at UCLA.
REPORTER TWO
What'll you do if one of these
pitchers throws at your head?
JACK
(thinks a beat)
I'll duck.
That gets some laughs.
REPORTER THREE
Jack, what's your natural position?
ROBINSON
I've been playing shortstop.
REPORTER THREE
Are you after Pee Wee Reese's job?
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 27A.
Jack looks over to where Reese watches with Stanky.
JACK
Reese plays for Brooklyn. I'm
worried about making Montreal.
REPORTER ONE
Is this about politics?
JACK
It's about getting paid.
Jack doing beautifully.
Smith breathes a sigh of relief...
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 28.
MANAGER CLAY HOPPER
In a Montreal uniform, Hopper's too old to be a ballplayer.
He stands with Dixie Walker the Dodger right fielder.
HOPPER
(MISSISSIPPI TWANG)
Well, when Mr. Rickey picks one, he
sure picks a black one.
WALKER
He's fine with me, so long as you
keep him up in Montreal.
HOPPER
Here comes the old man to save him.
They watch as Rickey pulls Jack from the press. He leads
Jack directly toward Hopper. As Walker excuses himself...
WALKER
Good luck, Hop...
RICKEY
Clay, I'd like you to meet Jackie
Robinson. Jackie, Clay Hopper,
manager of the Montreal Royals.
Hopper shakes his hand as they exchange greetings.
HOPPER
We ain't doing much today. Just
throwing the ball around and
hitting a few. Why don't you toss
a few with those fellas over there?
(CALLS OVER)
Hey, Jorgensen!
A kid in a Montreal uniform looks over. SPIDER JORGENSEN.
HOPPER
Meet Jackie Robinson.
CUT TO:
37 EXT. PARKING LOT - DODGER DAYTONA FACILITY - DAY 37
The end of the day. Buses leave by team, the Dodgers and the
farm clubs. White faces look down as they pass a tired Jack,
who walks through the lot toward Wendell Smith and his Buick.
Higbe and Bragan call out from the door of the Dodger bus.
HIGBE
Hey, Rook! Did you hear about the
redneck shortstop?
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 29.
BRAGAN
He thought the last two words of
the National Anthem were Play Ball!
Jack forces a smile, but the joke comes off a bit harsh. And
they seem like they're laughing at him as...
HIGBE
How about the shortstop making all
the errors, tried to kill himself
by jumping out on the highway?
BRAGAN
A bus just missed him. Drove right
between his legs!
As the bus passes by, Jack sees the impassive faces of Dixie
Walker, Reiser, Stanky, Pee Wee Reese and finally 20-year-old
Branca. Branca smiles, offers an awkward little wave.
SMITH
Between his legs, good one. He
must've read a joke book. If he
can read.
Jack just gets in the car. Smith sighs, drum rolls the hood
of the Buick.
SMITH
Hi, Wendell, how are you...? Well,
looks like I got a long drive to
Sanford.
CUT TO:
38 EXT. PORCH - THE BROCK HOUSE - SANFORD - LATE AFTERNOON 38
MR. BROCK comes out the screen door carrying a tray of tall
drinks. He sets them on a table, watches and waits as Smith
and Jack get out of the Buick, start up the steps.
MR. BROCK
Jackie, I'm Ray Brock. Welcome to
Sanford Florida! The day belongs
to decent minded people.
They shake hands. Brock looks to Smith, obviously knows him.
MR. BROCK
Wendell, good to see you.
(TO JACK)
My wife's inside cooking. You know
what she asked me this morning?
She asked me, what do you serve
when a hero's coming for dinner?
WHITE 3-14-12 30.
Jack's humble, embarrassed, doesn't know what to say.
JACK
I'm just a ballplayer, Mr. Brock.
MR. BROCK
Tell that to all the little colored
boys playing baseball in Florida
today. You're a hero to them.
The look on Jack's face says that's a heavy burden.
MR. BROCK (CONT'D)
Sit down, have something to drink.
My special rum and coke.
JACK
No thank you, sir, I don't drink.
MR. BROCK
A ballplayer who doesn't drink?
That's a new one on me.
SMITH
I'll have one. I'm a stereotypical
reporter through and through.
JACK
Mr. Brock, do you have a desk? I'd
like to get a letter to my wife.
MR. BROCK
Of course, this way.
As Mr. Brock leads Jack ahead, Smith sips his drink.
CUT TO:
39 EXT. PRACTICE DIAMOND - SANFORD - DAY 39
Rickey and Montreal manager Hopper stand by the dugout
watching a spring game versus St Paul. Jack's playing
second. They watch him closely as they talk.
HOPPER
He's getting by on a quick release,
but his arm's too weak for short.
Second base is his spot.
RICKEY
I agree. And I'll state another
obvious, Clay, I need the players
to act like gentlemen around him.
HOPPER
Uh huh.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 31.
The MAN on first takes a lead.
RICKEY
To treat him as they would any
other teammate.
HOPPER
Uh huh.
RICKEY
To be natural, to impose no
restrictions on themselves. To all
work together in harmony.
WHACK! The hit & run is on. The man on first runs on the
pitch as a LOW LINE DRIVE shoots for the gap between 1st and
2nd. Robinson turns himself inside out to dive on his belly
and catch it before it hits the ground.
He spins himself around, pivots on a knee to throw the runner
out before he can get back to first. Rickey is astounded.
RICKEY
That was superhuman.
HOPPER
(CHUCKLING)
Superhuman? Don't get carried
away, Mr. Rickey, that's still a
Nigger out there.
Rickey takes a moment to process. It's Hopper's light
admonishing tone that really halts him. Finally...
RICKEY
Clay, I realize that attitude is
part of your heritage; that you
practically nursed race prejudice
at your mother's breast, so I will
let it pass. But I will add this:
you can manage Robinson fairly and
correctly or you can be unemployed.
They both look over as Jack comes off the field toward them.
HOPPER
Attaboy, Jackie! Way to turn two!
CUT TO:
40 EXT. FRONT PORCH - THE BROCK HOUSE - SANFORD - NIGHT 40
Smith and Mr. Brock are sitting on the porch sipping rum and
cokes. A quiet evening.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 32.
MR. BROCK
I hope Jackie sleeps alright.
Chasing baseballs in the sun all
day, I'd be in my grave. How are
they treating him out there?
They watch as a CAR slows, parks across the street.
SMITH
Okay as far as I can see.
A MIDDLE-AGED WHITE MAN, LUTHER exits the car and starts
toward them.
MR. BROCK
(FROWNS)
You find good people every place
you go. Even here in Florida...
LUTHER
(STOPPING BELOW)
Is he in there?
SMITH
Who is it you're looking for?
LUTHER
Nigra ball player.
The air suddenly alive with danger.
SMITH
He's asleep. Maybe you better come
back in the morning.
LUTHER
I ain't comin' back. Other fellas
is comin'. They ain't too happy
about him stayin' here in Sanford.
Playin' ball with white boys.
(a long beat)
Skedaddle, that's what I'd do.
If'n they get here, and he's still
here, there's gonna be trouble.
He turns and walks away. As they watch, a phone rings...
RICKEY'S VOICE
Yes, Wendell, what is it?
CUT TO:
41 INT. HOTEL ROOM - DAYTONA BEACH - NIGHT 41
Rickey in his pajamas in his hotel room. On the phone.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 33.
RICKEY
I see... Yes, I understand. Wake
him up and get him out of there.
Put him in the car and start
driving for Daytona Beach. Now.
And, Wendell, under no circumstance
tell him what this is about. I do
not want him to get it in his head
to stay there and fight.
CUT TO:
42 INT. BEDROOM - MR. BROCK'S HOUSE - NIGHT 42
Half dressed, Jack sits on the edge of his bed, feeling bad.
Through his open door, across a hall, we can see Smith in his
room. Passing in and out of view packing his own things.
JACK
I was just getting loose.
Smith sticks his head in the door.
SMITH
Don't just sit there. Pack your
duds. We're blowin'.
A phone RINGS somewhere. They hear Brock answer, then:
MR. BROCK'S VOICE
Wendell?!
Smith leaves the room. Hold on Jack, despair as he listens.
SMITH'S VOICE
Yes, Mr. Rickey, I'm with him
now... We're pulling out for
Daytona in five minutes, soon as he
gets his bag packed... Yes, yes,
it's just one of those things.
‘One of those things.' As Jack's head hangs a little lower.
CUT TO:
43 INT./EXT. BUICK - MAIN STREET - SANFORD - NIGHT 43
The street deserted, sidewalks rolled up. Jack angry and
silent in the passenger seat. Smith jumpy behind the wheel.
They stop as a PICK-UP stops ahead outside a BAR where:
A DOZEN WHITE MEN in shirtsleeves exchange words with the
boys in the truck. To Jack it looks like a typical small
town bull session. To Smith it looks like something else.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 34.
The white men look over at the two black men. One steps
over, motions: roll down the window.
JACK
I wonder what he wants?
SMITH
To run us out of town.
JACK
What are you talking about?
The man close now. As Jack cranks down the window, Smith
floors it. The Buick SCREECHES away, SWERVING around a CAR
coming the other way.
JACK
What the hell, Wendell?!
SMITH
Man came by while you were asleep.
(CHECKS MIRROR)
Told us more men were coming. Maybe
those boys. Mr. Rickey said to get
you to Daytona Beach a-s-a-p.
JACK
Why didn't you say so?
SMITH
Mr. Rickey was afraid you wouldn't
leave, that you would fight.
As it becomes clear, Jack starts to LAUGH.
SMITH
What the hell are you laughing at?
JACK
I thought you woke me because I was
cut from the team.
Jack LAUGHS harder. Wendell LAUGHS as well. As it fades,
Jack looks back over his shoulder. Jesus...
CUT TO:
44 EXT. CITY ISLAND BALLPARK - DAYTONA BEACH - DAY 44
A stadium SIGN boasts Brooklyn Dodgers vs. Montreal Royals.
PINK REV 4-19-12 35.
Daytona Beach's black community is turning out to see Jackie
Robinson. Hundreds of people line up, mass at the: Colored
Entrance. In their Sunday best. Families. Couples. The
old. The frail. Young boys chase after each other. One
MOTHER stands on her toes to spot her son.
MOTHER
Ed! You stay where I can see you!
13-year old ED CHARLES turns, waves his baseball glove over
his head so she can see him. Then to no one in particular:
ED
I'm thirteen years old.
WHITE PEOPLE enter at several gates around them.
CUT TO:
45 CLOSE ON BRANCH RICKEY - THE DODGER DUGOUT 45
He sits watching as the segregated bleachers in right fill
with BLACK FANS. All else is white. Rickey pops a PEANUT in
his mouth, confides to someone alongside him we don't see.
RICKEY
I've spoken to the mayor. I've
explained how much money we'll
spend in Daytona. But still, when
this fine young Negro man steps on
that field today, he and the
Dodgers will technically be
breaking the law. A law which says
white and black players cannot
enjoy the same field at the same
time. Does that make sense to you?
Does Jim Crow make any sense when
placed against the words of the
United States Constitution? When
placed against the word of God?
POP OUT to reveal he sits beside the DODGER BATBOY, so short
his feet don't touch the ground. Rickey offers his peanut
bag. As the batboy takes one...
RICKEY
I'll tell you, it does not make
sense to me.
CUT TO:
46 OMITTED 46
PINK REV 4-19-12 36.
47 OMITTED 47
48 OMITTED 48
49 EXT. ON DECK CIRCLE - CITY ISLAND BALLPARK - DAY 49
Jack swinging two bats to get loose. Watches as the Montreal
BATTER hits a LINE DRIVE which -- Pee Wee Reese nearly leaps
out of his socks to bring down. Wow...
As the CROWD claps in appreciation, Jack takes a deep breath.
PA ANNOUNCER
Now batting the second baseman --
Jackie Robinson!
Jack wincing as he steps forward to both cheers and boos from
the white sections. As a ‘go home, coon' drifts over -- A
BIG OVATION from the black section in right drowns it out.
COLORED SECTION - RIGHT FIELD
Rachel sits with Smith. They react to some of the INVECTIVE
coming from the white section.
RACHEL
Jack's got a thick skin. He'll be
okay.
SMITH
How about you?
RACHEL
(SHRUGS)
I better get one in a hurry.
INFIELD
Higbe watching from the mound as Jack steps into the batter's
box. Two well wishing voices from the infield stands.
SPECTATOR ONE
Come on, black boy, you can make
the grade!
SPECTATOR TWO
They're giving you a chance! Do
something about it!
Jack heartened at the words. Concentrates as Higbe's first
pitch is fired. High and tight, Jack jerks out of the way.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 37.
Bragan, behind the plate, chucks the ball back, grins up at
Jack who does not look down at him as he settles back in.
ED CHARLES
The 13-year-old holding his hands together in prayer.
ED
Please, God, let Jackie show them
what we can do.
HOME PLATE
Here comes the next pitch. Even tighter. Jack nearly hit.
UMPIRE
Ball two!
Jack glaring, crowds the plate more. Bragan shows 1, taps
his right thigh signalling outside. Jack watches it sail,
doesn't bite. The umpire: “Ball Three!” Higbe's fun
slipping away as he can't find the strike zone.
HIGBE
Come on, Rook! Ain't you gonna
swing at something?!
Jack takes a practice swing, waits as Bragan sets up right
over the plate. Here comes the pitch. Low. “Ball four!”
RACHEL & SMITH
A big, over-reacting CHEER from the Colored section.
SMITH
It's just a walk.
RACHEL
Who can blame them?
HIGBE
Looks ill-tempered over to first where Jack gives the same
look back as he sidesteps an enormous, defiant lead off the
bag. Higbe incredulous. Did he just do that?
DUROCHER
(FROM DUGOUT)
Well throw over there for crying
out loud!
Higbe fires to LAVAGETTO at first. Jack dives back in time.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 38.
Higbe gets the ball back, settles. Jack takes a lead, but a
modest one this time. Here come the pitch -- And Jack goes.
You knew he was fast; but not this fast. Bragan's throw to
Pee Wee is late and high. Pee Wee throws back to Higbe.
Higbe sets. Bragan gives him a sign. Jack takes a lead. On
the wind-up, Jack goes. Bragan stands -- it's a PITCH OUT.
Bragan fires to third and Jack is caught in a RUN DOWN. It
seems like half the team gets involved with Higbe finally
getting the ball by third and Jack ducking under the tag.
Safe! A BUZZ goes through the stadium now as people start to
realize they are not watching something or someone ordinary.
RICKEY
Watching from a seat behind third.
RICKEY
Thataway, Jackie! Thataway!
HIGBE & JACK
Higbe looks home for the sign, Jack dancing off third,
pounding his right foot toward home. He feints hard home.
Higbe steps off the rubber. Jack stays where he is.
HIGBE
Hell! You're supposed to go back
to third when I step off! Don't
you know nothing?!
He throws over. Jack back to the bag. Higbe gets the ball
back, looks in. Jack bouncing, pounding off third. His
movements carry violence within them. Like a piston
exploding in an engine.
Higbe into his motion, stops his delivery, accidentally drops
the ball to the ground. The umpire signals BALK, points Jack
home. Higbe is furious.
ED CHARLES - IN THE COLORED SECTION
CHEERING, joyous. His mother joins in, happy despite...
MOTHER
I don't understand. What happened?
ED
It's a balk, Mama. The pitcher
can't start toward home and then
stop. Jackie scores.
GREEN REV 4-27-12 39.
MOTHER
But he didn't do anything.
ED
Oh, mama, yes he did, he
discombobulated the man.
DUGOUT
Durocher looks to Branca, impressed.
DUROCHER
He didn't come to play; he came to
kill.
Durocher starts out to the mound to talk to Higbe.
DIXIE WALKER
Watching from right field, the black crowd still cheering.
He walks over toward the open bullpen where Casey stands.
WALKER
This really how it's gonna be some
day? Baseball?
CUT TO:
50 EXT. SCOREBOARD - BALLFIELD - DAY 50
Montreal vs. Indianapolis. THE STANDS are half filled. The
COLORED SECTION is packed solid, accentuated by the many
empty seats in the sections on either side of it.
INSERT: De Land, Florida.
No score, top of the first as -- Jack drops a BUNT down the
line. The FIRST BASEMAN fields, throw to the SECOND BASEMAN
covering. Too late. Only Jack doesn't stop.
Realizing the SHORTSTOP isn't covering the bag, Jack bolts
for second. The second baseman has to wait on the throw and
when he makes it -- The UMPIRE signals safe. A bunt double!
Spider Jorgensen settles in the batter's box. The pitch.
Crack, Jorgensen laces a single to left.
Jack motors to third where Sukeforth is WAVING him home.
We're with him at hip level as he tears down the basepath.
The CATCHER bracing for the throw - they COLLIDE - he's SAFE!
As Jack gets to his feet, however, a Jim Crow POLICEMAN steps
up to meet him, grabs him by the shoulder.
POLICEMAN
Git offa this field now!
WHITE 3-14-12 40.
JACK
What!? Why?
POLICEMAN
It's against the law is why. No
niggers don't play with no white
boys. Git off or go to jail.
Jack shrugs the policeman's hand off his shoulder. That
sends him reaching for his nightstick and --
Sukeforth is there to get between them.
JACK
You swing that thing you better hit
me between the eyes with it.
POLICEMAN
Is that so?
The CROWD BOOING. The black section especially.
HOPPER
(arrives from dugout)
Hey, hold on, what'd he do wrong?
POLICEMAN
We ain't havin' Nigras mix with
white boys in this town. Ya'll
ain't up-states now; they gotta
stay separate. Brooklyn Dodgers
ain't changing our way of living.
Where are you all from anyhow?
HOPPER
Greenwood, Mississippi.
POLICEMAN
Hell, man, you oughta know better.
(a dangerous beat)
Now tell your Nigra I said to git.
You think I'm foolin'?
Hopper looks desperately to Jack who just stands there.
RACHEL'S VOICE
What did you do?
CUT TO:
51 EXT. STREET - DAYTONA BEACH - HARRIS NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY 51
Jack and Rachel out walking. He's been telling the story.
PINK REV 4-19-12 41.
JACK
I said okay, Skipper, tell him...
Ah'm a-gittin'. Sho'nuff, ah is.
RACHEL
You didn't?
JACK
I did. Then I took a long shower.
We lost 2 to 1.
She takes a few exaggerated steps to amuse him.
RACHEL
Ah'm a-gittin', ah'm a gittin'.
He laughs, takes her hand. He's going to kiss her.
JACK
You're not getting away from me.
RACHEL
(LOOKING PAST)
Jack...
A white man bee-lines them from across the street, looks like
a real CRACKER. Jack on guard, gets in front of Rachel.
JACK
Get back, Rae. Go back.
Cracker stops square across from him. Jack's fists balled.
CRACKER
I want you to know something.
JACK
Yeah, what's that?
CRACKER
I want you to know I'm pulling for
you to make good. And a lot of
folks here feel the same way. If a
man's got the goods, he deserves a
fair chance. That's all.
(tips his hat)
Ma'am.
As Cracker walks away... Rachel takes Jack's hand.
CUT TO:
52 OMITTED 52
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 41A.
52A EXT. PLAYING FIELD - DODGER DAYTONA FACILITY - DAY 52A
Rickey leans against his car watching a GROUNDSKEEPER push
mow the infield grass. Jack, in street clothes, joins him.
JACK
You wanted to see me, Mr. Rickey?
Rickey nods, consider the field a moment.
RICKEY
Bermuda grass grows so well here.
I wish we could get it to grow like
this in Brooklyn.
JACK
I like the way it smells when they
mow it.
PINK REV 4-19-12 42.
RICKEY
Me, too.
Rickey consider the field a moment, then Jack.
RICKEY
Jackie, it's my pleasure to tell
you that you've earned a spot on
the Montreal Royals. When they
head north Tuesday for opening day
against Jersey City, you'll be on
the train.
Jack trying to hold down his excitement.
JACK
I won't let you down.
RICKEY
I know that.
JACK
If you don't mind, I've got to go
tell my wife.
RICKEY
Give her my regards.
Jack about to head off when he looks back..
JACK
Why are you doing this, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
I'm an opportunist. With you and
the Negro players I hope to bring
up next year I'll put together a
team that can win the World Series.
And the World Series means money.
Jack studies him a beat, not quite buying it.
RICKEY
Don't you believe that?
JACK
I don't think what I believe is
important. Only what I do.
RICKEY
Agreed. Therefore, run the bases
like the Devil himself.
(MORE)
GREEN REV 4-27-12 43.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
Worry those pitchers so they come
apart. Sometimes they'll catch
you, but don't worry about that.
Ty Cobb got caught plenty. Just
run as you see fit. Put the
natural fear of God into them.
CUT TO:
53 EXT. DAYTONA BEACH TRAIN STATION - DAY 53
Ed Charles and his TWO FRIENDS follow Jack and the Montreal
PLAYERS as they walk toward the TRAIN waiting on the tracks.
Jack is one of the last to board. He's almost through the
door when something stops him. He looks back at Ed.
A beat. Ed slowly raises his hand and waves. Jack smiles,
does the same, then disappears inside. The WHISTLE blows and
the train starts out of the station. On impulse Ed starts to
trot out after it. Staying close. His friends follow.
TRAIN TRACKS
The train picks up speed. The boys start to run. Arms
pumping, feet flying. One boy drops off. Then the other.
But Ed still runs. Chasing after that train carrying Jackie
Robinson. Finally, he stops, heaving for breath, watching
the train disappear around the bend. A lonely beat. Then --
Ed gets down on his hands and knees. He sets his ear on the
rail, closes his eyes. A thrum comes off the rail. A huge
smile spreads. He straightens, shouts back to his friends:
ED
I CAN STILL HEAR HIM!
From somewhere, as the National Anthem ends...
CUT TO:
54 EXT. ROOSEVELT STADIUM - DAY 54
INSERT: April 18, 1946 - Roosevelt Stadium, Jersey City.
Opening day of the International League Season.
A COLOR GUARD march away to REVEAL:
HOME PLATE UMPIRE
PLAY BALL!
30,000 FANS pack a stadium built for 24,500. Bunting and
flags everywhere. 1000s of black fans are here (segregated
only financially in New Jersey).
CUT TO:
WHITE 3-14-12 44.
55 EXT. HOME PLATE - ROOSEVELT STADIUM - DAY 55
Jack steps up to some BOOING, but much more APPLAUSE. He
looks ready to beat the world.
INSERT: First inning.
CROWD VOICE
Come on, Jackie, this fella can't
pitch!
Speaking of the pitch, here it comes. Jack tops a WEAK
GROUNDER to short. As he's thrown out by a mile...
56 WENDELL SMITH & RACHEL 56
Sitting up off third. His knees knocked together to hold his
TYPEWRITER on his lap. Nothing to write about there. He
looks over at Rachel who puts her hand over her mouth.
SMITH
You okay?
RACHEL
I think I might be sick.
(STANDING)
Excuse me, Wendell.
He watches as she starts out, looks to the field.
SMITH
I'd be sick at a swing like that,
too.
CUT TO:
57 INT. REST ROOM STALL - ROOSEVELT STADIUM - DAY 57
Rachel exits looking stricken. She steps over, splashes a
little water from the sink up into her face. An OLDER BLACK
WOMAN watches sympathetically.
OLDER WOMAN
Are you alright, honey?
RACHEL
I'm sick. I don't know why.
The older woman rolls off a piece of paper towel for her.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
Thank you.
OLDER WOMAN
When did you have your monthly
last?
WHITE 3-14-12 45.
Rachel looks over, taken aback. But then...
RACHEL
I'm late.
OLDER WOMAN
It may be that you're pregnant.
The older woman offers a little smile, leaves her there.
INSERT: Third Inning.
P.A. ANNOUNCER
(ECHOING)
Now batting. Jackie Robinson.
CUT TO:
58 HOME PLATE 58
Jack steps up to bat. The JERSEY CITY GIANT PITCHER looks to
the Montreal RUNNER at first, glances over his shoulder at
the Montreal RUNNER at second, then focuses on home.
59 SMITH 59
His hands resting on the top of his typewriter.
SMITH
Come on, Jackie. Come on, batter.
60 RACHEL 60
Emerging up the runway. The field opening up before her.
There's Jack standing down there. The sight of him settles
her. As she puts a hand gently over her belly...
61 THE PITCHER 61
Grimaces for something extra as he fires a high fastball --
Jack UNLOADS. All heads turn to watch it sail -- high into
the left field bleachers, banging hard off the scoreboard.
62 SMITH 62
Nearly drops his typewriter, pushes his hat back as he
watches Jack start his home run trot. Smith laughs. Joy.
63 DUGOUT 63
Hopper can't believe his eyes. Softly to himself:
HOPPER
I'll be damned...
WHITE 3-14-12 46.
64 WE'RE WITH JACK 64
As he runs the base paths. Over it, a TYPEWRITER CLATTERS.
SMITH (O.S.)
Robinson jogged around the bases,
his heart singing...
The crowd loves it as he continues toward third where
Sukeforth is clapping for all he's worth.
SMITH (O.S.) (CONT'D)
And our own hearts beat just a bit
faster, and the thrill ran through
us like champagne bubbles...
65 CLOSE ON RACHEL 65
Watching him head for home, shaking hands with the two men he
batted in. Pride & joy in her eyes.
RACHEL
Oh, Jack... Oh Jack...
CUT TO:
66 CLOSE ON RACHEL 66
Suddenly in pain, face beaded in sweat.
RACHEL
Jack! Jack!
INSERT: November 18, 1946. Pasadena, California.
She is in labor and we are in Huntington Memorial Hospital.
A CRY. The DOCTOR holds up a slick, wailing NEWBORN.
DOCTOR
It's a boy.
As Rachel holds out her arms for him...
CUT TO:
67 INT. HALLWAY - MATERNITY WARD - PASADENA - NIGHT 67
Jack at the glass looking at JACKIE JR. Jack's eyes shine as
he regards his infant son. It's quiet. Jack's voice soft.
JACK
My daddy left. He left us flat in
Cairo, Georgia. I was only six
months older than you are now. I
don't remember him. Nothing good,
nothing bad. Nothing.
(MORE)
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 47.
JACK (CONT'D)
(A BEAT)
But you're going to remember me.
And I am going to be with you until
the day I die.
The stakes just got raised...
CUT TO:
68 INT. YMCA GYMNASIUM - DAY 68
THIRTY prominent BROOKLYN NEGRO leaders, representing a cross
section of civic responsibility, sit on folding chairs before
a dais where HERBERT MILLER making an introduction.
MILLER
As all of us know a young Negro
second baseman played north of the
border last season...
INSERT: Brooklyn YMCA. February 5, 1947.
In back: TWO DEACONS in the back whisper over a SPORTS PAGE.
DEACON ONE
Look here what he did.
(READS)
Led the International League in
batting: .349, in stolen bases: 40,
runs scored: 113. Plus batted .400
in the Minor League World Series.
DEACON TWO
Last season doesn't matter. The
International League, it doesn't
matter. What matters is this year.
What matters is Brooklyn.
DEACON ONE
Shhh... Here he comes.
As Herbert Miller introduces...
MILLER
I present the general manager of
the Brooklyn Dodger baseball club,
Mr. Branch Rickey!
Warm APPLAUSE as Rickey steps up. As it settles...
RICKEY
Good evening. I have something
very important to talk with you
about tonight. Something that will
require courage from all of us.
(A BEAT)
(MORE)
PINK REV 4-19-12 47A.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
I have a ballplayer on my Montreal
team named Jackie Robinson.
The start of applause. Rickey motions for it to stop.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 48.
RICKEY
He may stay there or he may be
brought to Brooklyn. But if Jackie
does come up to the Dodgers, the
biggest threat to his success, the
one enemy most likely to ruin that
success, is the Negro people
themselves!
There is shocked silence in the room. Rickey notices a group
of KIDS watching from a raised running track, soldiers on:
RICKEY
I say it as cruelly as I can to
make you all realize the weight of
responsibility that is not only on
myself and the Dodgers, but on
Negroes everywhere. For on the day
Jackie enters the National League,
if he does, I have no doubt every
one of you will form parades and
welcoming committees. You'll
strut. You'll wear badges. You'll
hold Jackie Robinson days and
Jackie Robinson nights. You'll get
drunk, fight and be arrested.
This is too much. People are slackjawed. Rickey powers on.
RICKEY
You'll wine and dine him until he
is fat and futile. You'll
symbolize his importance into a
national comedy and yes, a tragedy!
So let me tell you this!
(pounds his fist)
If any group or segment of Negro
society uses the advancement of
Jackie Robinson in baseball as a
triumph of race over race, I will
regret the day I ever signed him to
a contract, and I will personally
see that baseball is never so
abused and misrepresented again!
Is he done? An embarrassed smattering of applause. Mostly
shock and stares. As Rickey stands there uncomfortably...
CUT TO:
69 INT. HALLWAY - YMCA - DAY 69
Rickey stands waiting; giving that speech has worn him out.
The door opens and Miller looks in on him.
WHITE 3-14-12 49.
MILLER
I question your bedside manner, Mr.
Rickey, but they've agreed to set
up a committee of self-policing.
We'll call it the 'Don't Spoil
Jackie's Chances' campaign.
RICKEY
Thank you, Mr. Miller. I'm sorry;
the spotlight will be on us all.
CUT TO:
70 INT. BEDROOM - BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT 70
The silhouette of stately palms through the window. A PHONE
RINGS. A figure fumbles through silk sheets for the
receiver. It's LEO DUROCHER, a WOMEN in bed alongside him.
INSERT: Beverly Hills. February 16, 1947.
DUROCHER
Yeah?
RICKEY'S VOICE
Hello, Leo, what are you doing?
DUROCHER
I'm bowling. Wait, I'm snowshoeing
in the Alps. I'm trying to sleep,
Mr. Rickey. It's still dark out.
CUT TO:
71 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - EARLY MORNING 71
It's very early in New York. Rickey on the phone.
RICKEY
Another spring training is upon us.
In Panama. I need to know your
attitude toward Jackie Robinson.
72 INTERCUT THE FOLLOWING: 72
DUROCHER
I don't got an attitude toward him.
The girl rolls over to look at him. She is the actress
LORRAINE DAY and she is stunning. As Durocher regards her...
RICKEY
Eight times in the Bible we're told
to love our neighbor. It's one of
God's most repeated commands.
PINK REV 4-19-12 50.
She puts her hands on him. (Durocher addressing Rickey.)
LORRAINE
(SOFTLY)
Hi...
DUROCHER
I don't know much about the Bible.
LORRAINE
Me neither...
DUROCHER
But I didn't go to school just to
eat my lunch either. I'll play an
elephant if he can help us win. To
make room for him, I'll send my own
brother home if he's not as good.
LORRAINE
(in his ear)
What are you going to do with me?
DUROCHER
We're playing for money, Mr.
Rickey. Winning's the only thing
that matters. Is he a nice guy?
RICKEY
If by nice you mean soft, no, not
particularly.
DUROCHER
Good. He can't afford to be. Nice
guys finish last.
LORRAINE
What about nice girls?
She starts to kiss him. It's hard to concentrate.
RICKEY
So you have no objections to him?
DUROCHER
None whatsoever. Can I go back to
sleep now?
RICKEY
Yes. Oh -- and Leo?
DUROCHER
What?
PINK REV 4-19-12 50A.
RICKEY
The Bible says a thing or two about
adultery as well.
DUROCHER
I'm sure it's got a lot to say
about a lot. Good night.
Durocher hangs up the phone, looks to her.
DUROCHER
What am I gonna do with you?
LORRAINE
Leo, I thought you knew...
As she kisses him...
CUT TO:
73 EXT. PEPPER STREET - PASADENA - DAY 73
Jack stands out front kissing Jackie Jr. good-bye as a CABBIE
muscles his LUGGAGE down the walkway to a waiting TAXI. Jack
kisses Mallie and hands off the baby. Mallie carries the boy
inside leaving Jack and Rachel alone to say goodbye.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 51.
RACHEL
Promise me you'll write.
JACK
When did I ever not write?
RACHEL
I want you to know I'm there for
you. Even if it's words on paper.
He's sees she's raw, takes her in his arms with the baby.
JACK
Rae, you're in my heart.
She sighs, rests her head on his shoulder.
RACHEL
You're getting close now. The
closer you get, the worse they'll
be. Don't let them get to you.
JACK
I will not. God built me to last.
He kisses her. She kisses him back.
RACHEL
See you in Brooklyn in eight weeks.
JACK
It might be Montreal.
A certainty grips her. She passes it on to him.
RACHEL
It's going to be Brooklyn. I know
it is.
Power in her words. He nods, looks off toward the taxi.
JACK
I've got to go, Rae.
She nods. They kiss, embrace a last time. He starts away
down the walk. She watches. Something not quite right.
A tug as Jack stops, looks back at her. Fighting back her
emotion and then impelled forward, she runs to him. They
come together. She practically disappears in his arms. They
do not want to be apart.
CUT TO:
WHITE 3-14-12 52.
74 INT. DINING ROOM - THE TIVOLI HOTEL - DAY 74
Durocher eats heartily. Rickey's food is untouched.
DUROCHER
It's a pipe dream, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEY
Pipe dream? What do you mean by
pipe dream?
INSERT: Panama City, Panama. March 18, 1947.
DUROCHER
I mean it ain't gonna happen. The
Dodgers are never gonna demand
Robinson be brought up from
Montreal. Ball players are
conservative.
RICKEY
A team full of tough war veterans?
Immigrants' sons? Boys from
impoverished parts of the country?
DUROCHER
It - ain't - gonna - happen.
RICKEY
You really believe they won't
accept him? Once they see how he
plays, how he can help them win.
DUROCHER
I'm not saying they won't accept
him: I'm saying they won't ask for
him. I'm saying Robinson's good
medicine, but they're not gonna
like the taste. I'm saying bend
over, boys, and get ready, this one
might hurt a little.
(ANOTHER FORKFUL)
Boy, this is good fish.
CUT TO:
75 KIRBY HIGBE - IN HIS TIVOLI HOTEL ROOM 75
As Higbe (South Carolina) finishes WRITING something on a
piece of hotel STATIONARY, Bragan (Alabama) looks to Dixie
Walker (Alabama) and Dodger pitcher HUGH CASEY (Georgia).
BRAGAN
Why do you think Rickey's got us
playing spring games in Panama?
(MORE)
BLUE REV 4-07-12 53.
BRAGAN (CONT'D)
He wants to get us used to Negro
crowds. He wants more of them than
us. He's hoping it'll get us more
comfortable being around Robinson.
Higbe clears his throat, reads what he's written:
HIGBE
We, the undersigned Brooklyn
Dodgers will not play ball on the
same field as Jackie Robinson.
Higbe signs it. He hands the pen to Bragan who adds his own
name. Casey signs with a flourish. Casey holds out the pen
to Walker who doesn't take it right away. An odd beat.
CASEY
If you wanna make your mark, Dixie,
we can witness it.
Everyone laughs; it loosens Walker up enough to sign.
CUT TO:
76 HOTEL ROOM DOOR 76
Higbe KNOCKS as Casey, Bragan and Walker crowd behind him.
STANKY'S VOICE
C'mon in!
STANKY'S ROOM
The boys enter. Eddie Stanky sits in a chair stripped to the
waist, soaking his right elbow in a BUCKET OF ICE.
STANKY
What's goin' on?
HIGBE
Got a petition goin' on, Stank.
BRAGAN
To keep Robinson up in Montreal
where he belongs.
STANKY
Oh... Did Pee Wee sign it?
HIGBE
Ain't asked him yet. What
difference does it make?
STANKY
None, just wonderin'.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 54.
Stanky looks to Walker who looks away.
STANKY (CONT'D)
(re: his right arm)
Can't sign now. I'm indisposed.
Could I catch up with you later?
CUT TO:
77 PEE WEE REESE 77
Standing in the door to his room. Looking out at the glum
faces of Higbe, Bragan, Casey and Walker.
REESE
Look, it's like this. I got a
wife, a baby, and I got no money.
I don't want to step in anything.
(TO WALKER)
Skip me, Dix, I'm not interested.
WALKER
What if they put him at shortstop?
REESE
(SHRUGS)
If he's man enough to take my job,
I suppose he deserves it.
HIGBE
(laughs out loud)
The hell he does!
WALKER
He does not have the ice water in
his veins for big league baseball.
REESE
So let him show what he's got.
Robinson can play or he can't.
It'll all take care of itself.
CUT TO:
78 CARL FURILLO 78
The very son of immigrants Rickey was talking about. From
Pennsylvania no less.
FURILLO
Give me the pen.
Higbe grins, hands it over. As Furillo signs...
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12 55.
79 INT. LEO DUROCHER'S ROOM - THE TIVOLI HOTEL - NIGHT 79
Durocher lays staring up at the palm shadows on the ceiling.
Finally, the phone rings. He answers.
DUROCHER
Yes, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEY'S VOICE
Have our friends in the press gone
to sleep yet?
DUROCHER
We are the only people awake on
this entire isthmus, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEY'S VOICE
A deliberate violation of the law,
needs a little show of force. I
leave it to you. Good night, Leo.
DUROCHER
Yes, Mr. Rickey.
CUT TO:
80 INT. HOTEL KITCHEN - NIGHT 80
Deserted. Durocher stands in a hotel bathrobe, arms crossed
as his PLAYERS and COACHES file in. Bleary-eyed, half-
dressed, they're all here, all wondering what this is about.
Suddenly, Durocher grabs the handle of an industrial-sized
SOUP POT and heaves it across the room. BRWANG-RANG-RANG!
DUROCHER
Wake up, ladies! Wake the Hell up!
(a stunned beat)
It's come to my attention that some
of you fellas don't want to play
with Robinson. That you even got a
petition drawn up that you're all
gonna sign. Well boys, you know
what you can do with your petition?
YOU CAN WIPE YOUR ASSES WITH IT!
WALKER
C'mon, Leo...
DUROCHER
Come on what?!
TAN REV 6-25-12 55A.
WALKER
Ball players gotta live together,
shower together, it's not right to
force him on us. Besides, I own a
hardware store back home and I --
PINK REV 4-19-12 56.
DUROCHER
Screw your hardware store, Dix!
And if you don't like it, screw
you! Mr. Rickey'll be happy to
make other arrangements for you.
Durocher suddenly marches to Higbe, looks like he's going to
belt him. As Higbe gulps, Durocher turns to the team.
DUROCHER
I don't care if he's yellow or
black or has stripes like a zebra,
if Robinson can help us win, and
everything I've seen says he can,
then he's gonna play on this ball
club. Like it, lump it, make your
mind up to it because he's coming!
And think about this when your
heads hit the pillow, he's only the
first, boys, only the first. More
are coming right behind him. They
have talent and they wanna play!
He lets that sink a moment.
DUROCHER
Yes, sir, they're gonna come diving
and scratching. So I'd forget your
petition and worry about the field.
Because unless you fellas pay a
little more attention to your work,
they are going to run you right out
of the ball park! A petition?
(looks them over)
Are you ballplayers or lawyers?
As he marches past them and through the doors...
CUT TO:
81 OMITTED 81
82 OMITTED 82
PINK REV 4-19-12 57.
83 OMITTED 83
84 EXT./INT. DUGOUT - PANAMA PRACTICE FIELD - DAY 84
Jack in his Montreal uniform headed off the field for the
dugout. Sukeforth headed over wearing Dodger blue.
SUKEFORTH
Robinson!
As Jack turns, Sukeforth tosses him a FIRST BASEMAN'S GLOVE.
JACK
What do you want me to do with
this?
SUKEFORTH
Play first base.
JACK
I've never played first base in my
life, Coach.
SUKEFORTH
Well, it's like this. Brooklyn's
got a solid second baseman. And
they got Pee Wee Reese at short.
But first base is up for grabs.
Are you catching my drift?
JACK
(NODS)
Yeah. I don't need a glove to do
that.
CUT TO:
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 58.
85 OMITTED 85
86 JACK - PRACTICE FIELD 86
Coach Sukeforth, getting balls from a bucket, hitting
grounders down to Jack at first. The short hops are wicked.
Jack rolls his catches over to a little PANAMANIAN KID who
chucks them down to his brother who tosses them back to
Sukeforth. As Jack struggles...
PANAMANIAN KID
El es muy malo.
SUKEFORTH
Mr. Rickey said he wants you
playing conspicuous baseball!
(WHACK)
To be so good the Dodgers'll demand
you on the team!
(WHACK)
So I thought about it awhile and
then I looked up conspicuous in the
dictionary.
(WHACK)
It means to attract notice or
attention.
Jack dives, spears a liner. Sukeforth tilts back his cap.
SUKEFORTH
Conspicuous.
CUT TO:
87 OMITTED 87
PINK REV 4-19-12 59.
88 OMITTED 88
89 INT. RICKEY'S OFFICE - THE TIVOLI HOTEL - DAY 89
Bobby Bragan sits across from Rickey looking defiant.
RICKEY
Bragan, most of your teammates have
recanted on this petition nonsense.
Are you really here to tell me you
don't want to play with Robinson?
BRAGAN
Yes, Sir. My friends back in
Birmingham would never forgive me.
RICKEY
And your friends here in Brooklyn?
(Bragan just shrugs)
Then I will accommodate you. If
you give me your word that you will
try your very best for this team
until I can work out a trade.
That gets Bragan's goat. He jumps up, really mad.
BRAGAN
Do you think I would quit on
anyone?! I don't quit.
RICKEY
Only on yourself apparently. You
can go, Bragan.
CUT TO:
89A SECOND BASE - PANAMA - DAY 89A
Time slowed way down as Jack takes a throw at second from the
Montreal shortstop. He pivots to turn the double-play even
as Dixie Walker barrels in low.
All Jackie's focus on the task at hand as he throws while
Walker submarines him. He lands in a heap tangled up
together. They both look back to see the result of the play.
As Robinson smiles and Walker scowls, we know...
RICKEY'S VOICE
Send Dixie in.
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12 60.
90 DIXIE WALKER 90
Sitting down across from Rickey.
RICKEY
I received your letter, Dixie.
(READS)
Recently, the thought has occurred
to me that a change of ball clubs
would benefit both the Brooklyn
Baseball Club and myself.
(TO WALKER)
This is about Robinson?
WALKER
I'm keeping my reasons private.
Hope you can respect that, sir.
RICKEY
I realize, Dixie, that you have a
Southern upbringing, that you would
have to subordinate your feelings
for the welfare of this venture. I
for one would deeply appreciate it.
I think we can all learn something.
WALKER
What I have, Mr. Rickey, is a
hardware store back home. It's
called Dixie Walker's. Folks don't
come because I have the lowest
prices, they come because it's
called Dixie Walker's. Understand?
And I make as much money owning
that store as I do playing for you.
RICKEY
Is that what you're you afraid of?
(he doesn't answer)
Bragan's a third-stringer, but you
bat clean-up. You're popular in
Brooklyn. Children look up to you!
WALKER
You got my letter; can I go?
RICKEY
I'll start looking for a trade or a
sale. But it won't happen until I
get value in return. Until then I
expect you to drive in runs.
WALKER
I always have. That's my job.
CUT TO:
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 61.
91 EXT. PENN STATION - NIGHT 91
INSERT: Manhattan. April 8, 1947.
Jack exits with his luggage. Looking for a cab, he sees
Smith waiting. Smith offers a salute. Jack looks grumpy as
he steps over. The Buick waiting beyond.
JACK
You again.
Smith leans back, blinks.
SMITH
That's right. Me again. Something
wrong with that, Jack?
JACK
Come on.
Jack continues past. As Smith follows...
CUT TO:
92 INT. SMITH'S BUICK - 34TH STREET - NIGHT 92
Traffic heavy. A glum silence in the car until...
SMITH
They can't keep you on Montreal for
long. After these exhibition
games, they've got to bring you up.
(NO REPLY)
You don't have two words to rub
together, do you?
JACK
Do I have to entertain you?
More silence, then...
SMITH
You ever wonder why I sit out in
right field with my typewriter on
my knees? Does that ever cross
your mind?
Jack stares out the passenger window, not in the mood. As he
looks up at some of the taller buildings they pass...
SMITH
It's because Negro reporters aren't
allowed in the press box.
Jack doesn't answer, doesn't look over. Finally Smith starts
talking to himself. Pretending to be Jack.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 62.
SMITH ‘AS JACK'
You know, Wendell, I never asked
you where you were from?
SMITH
Why I'm from Detroit, Jack.
SMITH ‘AS JACK'
You don't say? Tell me more.
SMITH
My daddy used to work at Fair Lane.
That was Mr. Ford's estate. My
daddy was Mr. Henry Ford's cook.
SMITH ‘AS JACK'
I did not know that.
SMITH
Cooked for him for years, but never
once broke bread with him. I'd go
to work with daddy sometimes. Play
baseball out on the lawn with Mr.
Ford's grandchildren. We all had a
real good time. But it was
understood, if they got tired of
playing ball and moved inside to
the bowling alley or swimming pool,
I was not invited or allowed. The
grass was as far as I got. So
guess what? You're not the only
one with something at stake here.
JACK
(after a beat)
If I start talking, will you stop?
SMITH
I'd be happy to.
Smith stops at a red light.
JACK
I apologize. You've been there for
me through this more than anyone
besides Rae and Mr. Rickey. But I
guess that's what bothers me.
SMITH
How do you mean?
JACK
I don't like needing someone to be
there for me. I don't like needing
anyone but myself. I never have.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 63.
SMITH
You are a hard case, Jack Robinson.
Is it okay if I keep driving you or
should I let you out so you can
walk?
Jack bursts out laughing. So does Smith.
JACK
You remember the last time we were
at a red light? Down in Florida?
SMITH
New York City now, baby. We've
come a long way.
JACK
And we got a long way to go.
The light turns green. Off they go.
CUT TO:
93 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 93
Rickey reads to Parrott from the New York Sun.
RICKEY
Branch Rickey cannot afford to
upset team chemistry and so the
only thing keeping Robinson off the
Dodgers now, plainly, is the
attitude of the players.
INSERT: Brooklyn. April 9, 1947.
RICKEY
If it softens at the sight of
Jackie's skills, he'll join the
club some time between April 10 and
April 15. Otherwise, Robinson will
spend the year back in Montreal.
(throws paper down)
For the love of Pete, he batted
.625 in the exhibition games
against them, us, them -- Against
us! Judas Priest!
Rickey flummoxed as the phone RINGS from the outer office.
PARROTT
Maybe you could have Durocher hold
a press conference. Demand that he
get Robinson on his team.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 63A.
RICKEY
Durocher. Of course, he's my ace
in the hole. Very good, Harold.
The phone still rings. Rickey looks to his open door.
RICKEY
Jane Ann! Are you out there?
Grumbling, brambly eyebrows twitching, he makes the mistake
of answering his own phone.
WHITE 3-14-12 64.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
Branch Rickey... You're speaking
to him... The Commissioner of
what..? Oh, yes put him on.
(looks to Parrott)
The commissioner of baseball.
CUT TO:
94 INT. COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE - DAY 94
HAPPY CHANDLER gets a manicure. Always jovial, a head like
an anvil with hair parted in the middle, he picks up a phone.
HAPPY
Branch, how are you?
INTERCUT THE FOLLOWING:
RICKEY
Fine. What can I do for you, Happy?
HAPPY
Branch, how would you feel about
losing Durocher for a year?
Rickey switches the phone from one ear to the other.
RICKEY
I'm sorry, Happy, I thought you
said lose Durocher for a year.
HAPPY
Yes. He was seen in Havana with
known gamblers.
RICKEY
Anyone who sets foot in Havana is
seen with known gamblers.
HAPPY
It's not just one thing, it's an
accumulation. I received notice
today from the Catholic Youth
Organization. Vowing a ban on
baseball unless Durocher is
punished for his moral looseness.
RICKEY
You're joking.
HAPPY
It's this business with the actress
in California. She's recently
divorced and Durocher is the cause.
They may even be illegally married.
PINK REV 4-19-12 65.
RICKEY
Now I'm sure you're joking.
Happy checks his nails, returns his hand to the MANICURIST.
HAPPY
I wish I were. The CYO buy a lot
of tickets, Branch. They draw a
lot of water and I can't afford to
ruffle their feathers. Am I mixing
metaphors there?
RICKEY
You know very well my organization
is about to enter a tempest. I
need Durocher at the rudder. He's
the only man who can handle this
much trouble, who loves it in fact.
You're chopping off my right hand!
HAPPY
I have no choice. I'm going to
have to sit your manager, Branch.
Leo Durocher is suspended from
baseball for a year.
RICKEY
You can't do that! Happy, you son
of a bitch!
DIAL TONE. Rickey steadies himself, looks to Parrott.
RICKEY
Trouble ahead, Harold. Trouble.
CUT TO:
95 INT. DODGER LOCKER ROOM - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 95
Durocher, in a suit, cleans out his locker. Carefully sets
each item in a cardboard box. Finished, he closes the locker
door. CLICK. And then -- WHAM! -- Drives his fist in, taking
it off its hinges. He picks up his box, quietly walks out.
CUT TO:
96 OMITTED 96
PINK REV 4-19-12 66.
97 OMITTED 97
98 OMITTED 98
99 OMITTED 99
99A INT. MCALPIN HOTEL ROOM - EARLY MORNING 99A
RING... Jack asleep in bed, fumbles for the receiver.
INSERT: April 10, 1947.
JACK
Hello?
JANE ANN'S VOICE
Mr. Robinson, this is Jane Ann in
Mr. Rickey's office. He needs to
see you right away. He has a
contract for you to sign.
That wakes him up.
CUT TO:
99B INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 99B
Jack sits at the desk. Alone. He looks back over his
shoulder at the GOLDFISH. As one of them stares back, Rickey
enters with the CONTRACT in question. He sets it down before
Jack, hands him a pen.
RICKEY
I'm so sorry about the rush.
Events are unfolding too fast to
keep up with. The burden has
finally fallen to me and so be it.
JACK
(POINTS)
Sign here?
RICKEY
Yes, yes.
As Jack poises the pen -- Rickey suddenly aghast.
RICKEY
Stop!
The pen a millimeter over the page.
RICKEY
History. And I'm blabbing,
blabbing through history... Rushing
it along. What am I thinking?
TAN REV 6-25-12 66A.
99C RICKEY'S OUTER OFFICE 99C
Rickey sticks his head out the door.
RICKEY
Jane Ann, come in here.
(hollering down hall)
Harold!
Parrott sticks his head out from an office down the hall.
RICKEY
Get some employees up here!
CUT TO:
99D RICKEY'S DESK 99D
Where Jack Robinson signs his contract. As he sets the pen
down -- Rickey starts APPLAUDING. He's joined by Parrott,
JANE ANN and a JANITOR. Rickey claps Jack on the shoulder.
RICKEY
Harold, telegram the press. Say
this: “The Brooklyn Dodgers today
purchased the contract of Jackie
Robinson from the Montreal Royals.
He will report immediately.”
As Jack takes it in, he's the only one not smiling.
CUT TO:
99E INT. HALLWAY - ISUM HOUSE - PASADENA - DAWN 99E
The phone rings. Rachel answers in her nightgown.
RACHEL
Hello?
JACK'S VOICE
Rae, I'm in Brooklyn.
Brooklyn... Rachel lets out a triumphant WHOOP!
RACHEL
What did I tell you?
CUT TO:
100 EXT. NIGHTSCAPE - NEW YORK MIDTOWN SKYLINE - NIGHT 100
A few lights twinkle, but this city does occasionally sleep.
TAN REV 6-25-12 67.
101 JACK 101
This man does not. He stands bare chested in his boxers
staring out the window of a MCALPIN HOTEL ROOM. Considering
the world before him. Wondering where his place is in it.
INSERT: April 15, 1947. 3 AM.
It's a lonely moment. Until Rachel appears behind him in her
nightgown. She wraps her arms around him, looks over his
shoulder at the world out there. Finally, softly...
RACHEL
I love you...
As he closes his eyes, absorbs it...
CUT TO:
102 INT. AISLE - SINGER'S DRUG STORE - BROOKLYN - DAY 102
Jack cruises down, stops in front of the PEPTO BISMOL.
INSERT: April 15, 1947. 11 AM.
As he grabs a bottle -- a man on the other side pulls one out
as well. Jack finds himself looking at Pee Wee Reese.
JUMP AHEAD TO:
103 EXT. SINGER'S DRUG STORE - BROOKLYN - DAY 103
Jack and Reese exit together, each with a bottle of Pepto
Bismol in hand. Reese hefts his bottle.
REESE
Opening day nerves. Doing my
stomach something awful.
Jack nods in commiseration. It's awkward between them. A
RUMBLE as a GARBAGE TRUCK goes by.
REESE
There goes another one.
(SMILES)
Every time I see a garbage truck go
by I still can't figure why the guy
driving isn't me.
JACK
(SMILES BACK)
We'd both better get on base.
Reese nods. They start walking toward the stadium.
TAN REV 6-25-12 68.
REESE
Know when I first heard of you?
JACK
No I don't.
REESE
On a troop transport, coming back
from Guam. A sailor heard it on
the radio, told me the Dodgers had
signed a Negro player. I said that
was fine by me. Then he said the
guy was a shortstop. Least you
were then. That got me thinking.
Thinking gets me scared.
Jack smiles, hefts his bottle of Pepto.
JACK
Black, white, we're both pink
today, huh?
(REESE NODS)
You still scared, Pee Wee?
REESE
(looks down street)
Of garbage trucks? Terrified.
CUT TO:
103A EXT. EBBETS STADIUM - DAY 103A
The Taj Mahal of baseball. Opening day.
INSERT: Ebbets Field. Brooklyn.
CUT TO:
104 INT. DODGER LOCKER ROOM - DAY 104
Some guys quiet, some guys joking around. Everyone in some
version of getting out of their street clothes or into their
uniforms. The entire operation comes to a halt as --
Jack enters. As he walks past -- some players nod hello.
Others look like Sphinxes. Walker turns and faces his
locker. Gene Hermanski and Branca step over to SHAKE HANDS.
HERMANSKI
I'm Hermanski. Welcome to Brooklyn.
BRANCA
Hey, man. Ralph Branca.
Last, but not least, Spider Jorgensen, his Montreal teammate.
TAN REV 6-25-12 68A.
JORGENSEN
We made it, Jack, huh? Good luck.
That's it. Everyone else is too busy to come over. As Jack
scans for a locker with his name on it, BABE HAMBURGER, the
clubhouse manager, steps over.
WHITE 3-14-12 69.
BABE
You're looking for your locker,
huh, kid? Follow me.
They walk over to a hook on the wall. A uniform hangs from
it. A FOLDING CHAIR below.
BABE (CONT'D)
I just got the word. Best I could
do. I'll get you straightened out
tomorrow though, huh?
Jack nods, unbuttoning his shirt... Stanky is suddenly there.
All pugnacity as he gives up 4 inches and 40 pounds to Jack.
STANKY
You're putting on that uniform, it
means you're on my team. But before
I play with you I want you to know
how I feel about it. I want you to
know I don't like it. I want you
to know I don't like you.
Jack regards him. Stanky doesn't flinch. Maybe he should.
JACK
That's fine. That's how I prefer
it. Right out in the open.
CUT TO:
105 HOT DOG VENDER - EBBETS FIELD 105
Standing before his steaming HOT DOG STAND.
VENDOR
C'mon, Brooklyn! Get your Harry M.
Stevens special here!
As he hands one over, gets his .20 cents in return. Then:
VENDOR (CONT'D)
Hey, Lady!
Rachel looks over, baby Jackie in her arms. The vendor takes
a baby bottle out of the hot water in his STEAMER.
VENDOR (CONT'D)
I think it's ready.
CUT TO:
106 JACK ROOSEVELT ROBINSON - DODGER CLUBHOUSE 106
Looking at himself in a MIRROR. Standing in his uniform, the
clean white wool, the flowing script: Dodgers. It fits.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 70.
We FOLLOW HIM past Stanky as he goes. Follow the BLUE 42 on
his back as he steps through the clubhouse.
107 MAKES HIS WAY UP THE TUNNEL. 107
Always on that magic number as he comes up through the Dodger
DUGOUT and steps onto...
108 EBBETS FIELD 108
PHOTOGRAPHERS snap photos, the crowd spot him and CHEER.
109 RACHEL 109
Watches from the stands. Pleased at the cheering. She holds
the baby up to see, whispers to him...
RACHEL
Okay, okay, that's good.
As Jackie's eyes find hers...
CUT TO:
110 THE PLAYERS LINED UP FOR THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 110
The Dodgers down one baseline, the BOSTON BRAVES down the
other. Forty-nine white players and one black. Jack at the
end alongside Ralph Branca. Jack trying not to choke up.
EVERETT MCCOOEY
O'er the land of the free! And the
home of the brave!
CUT TO:
111 EXT. DODGER DUGOUT - DAY 111
The players not starting return to the dugout. Bragan
catches up with Branca.
BRAGAN
You're crazy standing that close to
him.
BRANCA
What do you mean?
BRAGAN
(LAUGHING)
What if the sharpshooter misses and
hits you instead?
BRANCA
You got a serious problem, Bragan,
you know that?
WHITE 3-14-12 71.
BRAGAN
Really? I don't see it.
CUT TO:
112 BRANCH RICKEY 112
Surveying the scene. Parrott alongside.
RICKEY
Opening day, Harold. The world is
all future and no past.
PARROT
A blank page, sir.
113 INT. BROADCAST BOOTH - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 113
RED BARBER looks down onto the field.
BARBER
One out in the bottom of the first.
Headed toward the plate for his
first big league at bat is Dodger
rookie Jackie Robinson. Jackie is
very definitely brunette.
114 JACK 114
Walks toward the plate. More cheers. Mostly.
FAN
We're with you, Jackie!
FAN #2
Hey, boy, how about a shine?!
Jack struggles not to look back at the source of the jeer.
He settles in at the plate. JOHNNY SAIN on the mound waiting
for the sign. The crowd BUZZING.
BARBER'S VOICE
Sain looking in. When he's got
that fastball working, he can toss
a lamb chop past a hungry wolf.
The BRAVES CATCHER signals ‘1'. Here come the pitch. CRACK!
It's down the third base line.
The THIRD BASEMAN is going to need every ounce of his arm as
he fields it at the line, throw across his body to --
FIRST. Where Jack's foot hits the bag an instant before the
ball smacks into the first baseman's mitt.
TAN REV 6-25-12 72.
UMPIRE
You're out!
Jack can't believe it. As he trots toward the dugout he
looks at the umpire who looks back: I dare you to complain.
STANDS
As the Brooklyn faithful BOO the call, Rachel and Smith watch
Jack head decisively toward the dugout. He was safe.
Rickey sits down closer to the dugout.
RICKEY
It's a game of inches, Jackie!
PARROTT
Get some glasses, ump!
CUT TO:
115 OMITTED 115
116 OMITTED 116
117 OMITTED 117
118 OMITTED 118
118A INT. HALLWAY - DODGER OFFICES - DAY 118A
BURT SHOTTON, 62, walks down the hallway with Parrott.
INSERT: April 18, 1947.
PARROTT
How's Florida, Burt?
SHOTTON
Roses need pruning, but fine when I
left it last night. Branch said it
was important and I heard about
Leo. Any idea what this is about?
PARROTT
You'd better just talk to him.
A beat as they reach the door. Parrott knocks.
RICKEY'S VOICE
Come in!
118B INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 118B
Rickey smiles from his desk as they enter.
TAN REV 6-25-12 73.
RICKEY
Baseball has returned to Brooklyn,
Burt. Another season is underway.
SHOTTON
Yeah, it's a shame about Leo.
RICKEY
Inevitable I suppose. I asked him
if she was worth it and he said
yes. How's the retirement?
SHOTTON
It's fine. The roses --
RICKEY
It's a helluva thing when a man has
good health and enough money and
absolutely nothing to do.
SHOTTON
I'm perfectly happy.
RICKEY
Is that so?
SHOTTON
When I took off that Cleveland
uniform two years ago, I promised
the Mrs. I'd never put on another
uniform again. Roses look great
and I sleep a whole lot better.
RICKEY
Roses and sleep are two wonderful
things, Burt. But sleep you can
get inside your casket and flowers
look good on top of it. You don't
look like a dead man to me.
SHOTTON
What's this about, Branch?
TAN REV 6-25-12 73A.
RICKEY
I need you to manage the Dodgers.
We're a ship without a captain;
there's a typhoon ahead.
SHOTTON
No, I'm sorry, but no.
RICKEY
Do you miss the game, Burt? Look
me in the eye and tell me you
don't.
Shotton considers Rickey a beat and then looks away.
SHOTTON
Baseball's the only life for an old
pepper pot like me, but I promised
my wife, Branch.
RICKEY
You promised her you wouldn't put
on another uniform. You didn't
promise her you wouldn't manage.
Wear a suit and tie; Connie Mack
still does.
(A BEAT)
You remember how to get to the Polo
Grounds, Burt?
SHOTTON
Branch, I --
RICKEY
You remember what the peanuts smell
like roasting, how the crack of the
bat sounds, the roar of the crowd?
SHOTTON
Sure...
Rickey tosses him a set of car keys.
RICKEY
My car's parked right out front.
Harold will show you where. Now
what do you say?
SHOTTEN
Okay.
CUT TO:
PINK REV 4-19-12 74.
119 INT. VISITOR'S LOCKER ROOM - POLO GROUNDS - HARLEM - DAY 119
Shotton addresses the half-dressed Dodgers, Jack included.
SHOTTON
Men, I don't have much to say.
Just, don't be afraid of old Burt
Shotton as a manager. You can win
the pennant in spite of me. I can
not possibly hurt you.
The Dodgers trade looks. Not exactly inspirational. As
Shotton heads out he pauses by Jack.
SHOTTON
Are you Robinson?
(JACK NODS)
I thought so.
Shotton pats Jack on the shoulder, continues on his way.
CUT TO:
120 INT. PRESS BOX - THE POLO GROUNDS - DAY 120
A huge CROWD beyond. Bob Cooke of the Herald Tribune (seen
at the Waldorf Astoria) holds court as Jack is ANNOUNCED.
COOKE
Mark my words and circle this date.
Negroes are going to run the white
man straight out of baseball. I'm
not prejudiced; it's physiological.
They have a longer heel bone.
Gives em an unfair speed advantage.
121 JACK - POLO GROUNDS 121
Standing dead still at the plate, bat cocked and ready.
BARBER'S VOICE
Here's Robinson. Jackie holds that
club down by the end. Rear foot on
the back line of the box. Slight
open stance, bent at the knees...
Giants pitcher DAVE KOSLO goes into his wind-up and throws.
Jack swings. CRACK. The ball screams out to left. Home
run! The crowd goes crazy. This is what they came to see.
122 PRESS BOX 122
Typewriters pounding away as Jack finishes his home run trot.
Bob Cooke watching thoughtfully as...
PINK REV 4-19-12 74A.
ANOTHER REPORTER
Was that because his heels are
longer, Bob?!
As everyone cracks up, everyone but Bob...
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12 75.
123 INT. LAWSON BOWMAN'S CAFÉ - HARLEM - NIGHT 123
Jack and Rachel out for dinner. Jack nodding as BLACK
PATRONS pass by, saying encouraging things. He almost gets a
forkful of food to his mouth before a MENU and a PEN are
offered for an autograph. As he signs, a FLASH BULB goes
off. In a lull, Jack cuts his steak, low to Rachel.
JACK
I'm not complaining, I just, I
don't know what they want.
RACHEL
(BEAMING)
They want to see if Jackie Robinson
is real. They want to see your
pride, your dignity. Because then
they'll see it in themselves.
He's stopped short. She blinks with mock coquettish modesty.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
And me? I'm just young and scared
and amazed at how brave you are.
He grins at her, almost gets a forkful in when LAWSON BOWMAN,
the Black owner, pulls up a chair, shakes Jack's hand.
OWNER
I'm Lawson Bowman, Jack, the owner
of this joint. How's the steak?
JACK
I'm not sure yet. It looks good.
CUT TO:
123A INT. 526 MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY (MONTAGE) 123A
BATHROOM MIRROR - Steamed. A finger traces ‘42' in the steam
on the glass, then wipes it clean to reveal Rachel. Hair
wrapped in a towel, she looks at herself, frowns.
INSERT: Brooklyn, April 22, 1947.
DRYING DIAPERS - Hang like pennants on a line stretched
across the BEDROOM. Rachel ducks under them to retrieve her
shoes. She looks at them, frowns.
RACHEL - Brushing her teeth. Pauses to hold the toothbrush
in a batting stance. Swings...
RACHEL - Strains to reach to zip her dress up. She pulls at
the edges of the dress, straightens herself out. She looks
over at Jack Jr. who watches from his crib.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 75A.
RACHEL
You're lucky you're a boy.
DOORWAY - Dressed to go, Rachel holding the baby, looking
anxiously out on the street. Suddenly, ALICE the baby-sitter
is there. Here she comes up the steps, opens the door.
ALICE
Sorry I'm late. Class ran long.
RACHEL
It's okay.
Rachel gently hands the baby over.
RACHEL
It's so cold and raw out, I don't
want him getting sick at the game.
ALICE
He'll be nice and warm here.
RACHEL
(checks her watch)
I'm going to be late.
She kisses him goodbye, frowns as she heads outside --
123B EXT. MACDONOUGH STREET - DAY 123B
A forboding sky above as Rachel hurries along. Pulling her
jacket on as she goes. It's going to be a cold day.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
The sky's are leaden. Threatening.
Eddie Stanky safe at first as
Robinson steps to the plate.
124 EXT. ON DECK CIRCLE - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 124
Brooklyn vs. Philadelphia. The bottom of the first. The
crowd CHEERS. Stanky safe on first.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
The sky's are leaden. Threatening.
Eddie Stanky safe at first as
Robinson steps to the plate.
Jack walk to the plate, digs a cleat into the batter's box...
CHAPMAN'S VOICE
Hey! Hey you black Nigger!
Jack looks to the visitor's dugout where the Phillies Alabama-
born manager BEN CHAPMAN stands at the top of the steps.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 75AA.
CHAPMAN
Why don't you go back to the cotton
fields where you belong!
GREEN REV 4-27-12 76.
The bear baiting has begun. Jack is in a kind of temporary
shock. That's the Phillies manager! In uniform.
CHAPMAN
Or did you swing your way out of
the jungle?! Bring me a banana!
124A RED BARBER - IN THE BOOTH 124A
BARBER
Chapman the Phillies manager up on
the top step, seems to be chirping
something out to Robinson. Chapman
a hothead during his playing days
with the Yankees.
125 RICKEY - IN THE STANDS 125
Sitting next to Parrott. He leans forward, unsure.
RICKEY
What's he saying?
126 VISITOR DUGOUT 126
Chapman joined by two of his PHILLIE BENCH PLAYERS.
PHILLIE ONE PHILLIE TWO
Go home, Nigger! Go back to Africa!
Phillie pitcher DUTCH LEONARD looks in. Jack has to try to
concentrate on the pitch. Here it comes. A fastball well
inside. Jack hits the deck to keep from getting beaned.
CHAPMAN
Bojangles! You sure can dance,
snowflake!
STANKY
On first, mouth hanging open. Almost forgets to take a lead.
It's an instant Rorschach test.
DODGER DUGOUT
Shotton and the players look stricken. Even Walker doesn't
quite know what to make of it. No one enjoys it, but Higbe.
STANDS
CONCESSION MEN walk closer to listen. The fans range from
horrified to some mildly pleased. Rachel looks stricken.
PINK REV 4-19-12 76A.
JACK
A fastball inside. He leaps back again. This one was even
closer to hitting him. As Jack glares at Dutch...
UMPIRE
Ball two!
CHAPMAN'S VOICE
Hey, black boy! Hey, shoe shine!
WHITE 3-14-12 77.
Jack doesn't want to look over, but he is compelled. The
bench players flanking Chapman look furious, but Chapman is
doing this with a sick sort of glee.
CHAPMAN
You like white girls?! Huh?!
Which one of them Dodger boys'
wives are you climbing on tonight?!
Chapman looks toward...
DODGER DUGOUT
They don't like that one.
CHAPMAN (CONT'D)
Oh, I think I got it. Dixie, I
believe I know!
JACK
Grips the bat. Watches for the next pitch with bloody
mindedness. He hacks at it, lofts a routine fly into left.
He's about halfway down to first when the left fielder
catches it and Jack can mercifully return to the dugout.
127 RICKEY 127
Rickey watches as he disappears inside. Finally exhales.
128 BENCH 128
Jack sits down. No one says anything to him. No one comes
near him as he stares ahead, trapped in a kind of void. The
closest player to him is Bobby Bragan. Bragan finally
manages to glance over at him, then looks quickly away.
CUT TO:
129 RACHEL 129
As the Dodgers take the field, Jack heads to first. Almost
wincing, wondering if it's going to start again.
RACHEL
(under her breath)
Look at me, baby. Look at me.
Finally, Jack glances up to her. She offers her eyes: I'm
with you. He looks away. Her witnessing makes it worse.
130 BEN CHAPMAN 130
Settles back in the shadows of the dugout. Finished for now.
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12 78.
131 DODGER SCOREBOARD 131
No score. Bottom of the 3rd.
INFIELD
Spider Jorgensen takes a lead off first. At the plate,
Stanky lines a single to right. Jorgensen holds at second.
JACK
Steps to the batter's box, starts digging in that back foot.
VISITOR'S DUGOUT
As Chapman emerges with his two bench players.
PHILLIE ONE PHILLIE TWO
Hey, Nigger lips! Party's over, jungle bunny!
CHAPMAN
Hey, Pee Wee! Dixie! What's this
Nigger doing for you all to let him
drink from the same water fountain
as you?! I hope it's worth it!
JACK
Waiting for the pitch. Takes a mighty swing -- CRACKS a
towering POP-UP between home plate and the mound. Dutch
watches his catcher Seminick settle under it. Waiting.
DUTCH
Hey, is that a home run!?
SEMINICK
Yeah! If you're playing in an
elevator shaft!
Jack veers off the first baseline. Heads for the dugout.
CHAPMAN
You don't belong! Look in a mirror!
This is a white man's game. Get it
through your thick monkey skull!
Jack stops short looks at him. Chapman stands his ground.
RICKEY
Stands, watches. Praying this doesn't go south. As Jack
finally continues on, Rickey closes his eyes in relief.
RACHEL
Sick for her husband.
WHITE 3-14-12 79.
THE DUGOUT
Jack stalks down past the team. No one looks at him. Bragan
is ashamed. Dixie tries to look disinterested. Stanky and
Reese exchange a helpless glance as Jack continues into:
132 THE TUNNEL 132
Like a bull on his way to slaughter, he revolts. WHAM-WHAM!
He proceeds to turn his bat into SPLINTERS. Concrete chips,
wood flies. Jack drops the handle of the bat, pounds his
fists. Heaving for breath, framed by the empty tunnel. Raw,
electric, ungovernable. All the anger on display, the fury.
FEET SCRAPE. Jack looks up to see Rickey standing there,
watching, afraid to get too much closer.
JACK
To hell with this. The next white
son of a bitch who opens his mouth,
I'll smash his goddamn teeth in.
Rickey stands there until finally, opening his mouth...
RICKEY
You can't, Jackie. You know it.
JACK
I'm supposed to let this go on?
RICKEY
These men have to live with
THEMSELVES --
JACK
I have to live with myself, too!
And right now I'm living a sermon
out there. I'm through with it!
Jack is at the end of his rope. All Rickey has are words.
RICKEY
You don't matter right now, Jack.
You're in this thing. You don't
have the right to pull out from the
backing of people who believe in
you, respect you and who need you.
JACK
Is that so?
RICKEY
If you fight, they won't say
Chapman forced you to; they'll just
say that you're over your head.
That you belong where you are.
(MORE)
WHITE 3-14-12 80.
RICKEY (CONT'D)
That every downtrodden man who
wants more from life is over his
head.
Jack's either going to explode or break into tears.
JACK
Do you know what it's like, having
someone do this to you?!
RICKEY
No. You do. You're the one living
the sermon. In the wilderness.
Forty days. All of it. Only you.
JACK
And not a damn thing I can do about
it.
RICKEY
Of course there is! You can stand
up and hit! You can get on base
and you can score! You can win
this game for us! We need you as
well! Everyone needs you.
(a beat; exhausted)
You're medicine, Jack.
Rickey reaches out, touches the wall to stay standing. Jack
just breathes as familiar sounds reverb down the tunnel.
JACK
They're taking the field.
RICKEY
Who's playing first?
Jack considers him. Everything hangs in the balance. Then:
JACK
I'm gonna need a new bat.
As Jack heads back down the tunnel for the field.
CUT TO:
133 EXT. SCOREBOARD - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 133
Eight zeros hang for the Phillies. Seven for the Dodgers.
No score, the bottom of the 8th coming up.
134 JACK 134
Steps into the batter's box. Chapman and his sidekicks step
from the Stygian abyss of the visitor's dugout.
PINK REV 4-19-12 81.
CHAPMAN
Hey, black Nigger! I know you can
hear me! If you were a white boy,
you know where you'd be right now?!
On a bus headed down to Newport
News cuz you can't play for shit!
Here comes the pitch. Jack nonchalantly sticks his bat out,
pokes a soft hit past second. A nothing hit, but he's
standing on first. And he looks, well, ferocious in fact.
As Pete Reiser steps up into the batter's box...
Jack stares at Dutch Leonard. Assassin's eyes as he takes an
insolent, in-your-face lead off first.
Dutch fires to first. Jack dives back safe!
Back on his feet, he spits out a piece of grit he picked up
sliding back on his belly. Not bothering to dust himself
off, he's turning into something elemental before our eyes.
135 RED BARBER 135
Up in the booth.
BARBER
Two strikes now to Reiser as
Leonard looks in. Robinson with
another big lead off first. He's as
restless as a cat with a hot foot.
136 RACHEL 136
Witnessing.
RACHEL
Steal it, sweetheart. Take it.
137 FIELD 137
Dutch throws. Jack on the run as Reiser swings and misses -
STRIKE THREE! - and Seminick comes up throwing.
Jack slides into second, the throw high, ends up in center.
Half a dozen Dodgers impulsively on their feet and waving him
on as Jack gets to his feet and motors into THIRD. The throw
well late. Phillies third baseman HANDLEY throws the ball
back to Dutch. Handley then looks to Jack.
HANDLEY
I'm sorry. I want you to know what
goes on here, it don't go for me.
Jack barely nods, but he heard.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 82.
BARBER'S VOICE
Hermanski steps up.
PLATE
Dutch looking to third, nodding distracted at a sign, looking
back to third before... Hermanski cracks a single to left.
As Jack crosses the plate, he stares down Chapman on his way
to the dugout. As Chapman turns his head, spits --
CUT TO:
138 INT. VISITOR'S LOCKER ROOM - DAY 138
Several REPORTERS around Chapman as well. He drinks a BEER.
CHAPMAN
You fellas are making too big a
deal out of this. He scored We
lost. One to nothing.
REPORTER THREE
Do you think you were a little hard
on Robinson?
CHAPMAN
We treat him the same way we do
Hank Greenburg except we call Hank
a kike instead of a coon. When we
play exhibitions against the
Yankees, we call DiMaggio the Wop.
They laugh at it. No harm, it's
forgotten after the game ends.
Chapman tosses away his beer can.
REPORTER THREE
Don't you think this was maybe one
foot over the line?
CHAPMAN
Hey. Let's get the chips off our
shoulders and play ball. It's a
game, right?
CUT TO:
139 INT. SHOWER - DODGER LOCKER ROOM - DAY 139
Jack alone in the shower. Water beating down. Steam rising.
A warrior who survived another day of battle. Maybe. They
say the Lord doesn't ask us to bear any more than we're able,
but God is cutting it pretty damn close here. He is in pain.
CUT TO:
GREEN REV 4-27-12 83.
140 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - LATE AFTERNOON 140
Rickey sits brooding, thinking. Parrott enters, upset.
PARROTT
I'm going in that Phillie dugout
tomorrow and wring Chapman's neck!
Rickey considers Parrott, starts laughing. Parrott is hurt.
PARROTT
Did I say something funny?
RICKEY
When I first told you about Jackie,
you were against it. Now all of a
sudden you're worrying about him.
How do you suppose that happened?
PARROTT
Well, any decent minded person --
RICKEY
Sympathy, Harold, is a Greek word.
It means to suffer. I sympathize
with you means I suffer with you.
This Philadelphia manager has done
me a service.
PARROTT
A service?!
RICKEY
Is there an echo in here? Yes,
he's creating sympathy on Jackie's
behalf. Philadelphia by the way is
Greek for brotherly love.
The intercom BUZZES.
JANE ANN'S VOICE
Bob Bragan to see you, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEY
(FLASHES ANGRY)
What in Satan's fire does he want?
(PRESSES BUTTON)
Send him in.
Rickey pretends to review papers as Bragan enters, his hat
literally in his hand. Rickey lets him stand there a moment.
RICKEY
What do you want, Bragan?
WHITE 3-14-12 84.
BRAGAN
I'd like not to be traded, sir, if
it isn't too late.
RICKEY
What about Robinson?
Bragan's been staring at the floor. He looks up now. The
low afternoon sun hits his face.
BRAGAN
I'd like to be his teammate.
RICKEY
Why?
BRAGAN
The world's changing; I guess I can
live with the change.
RICKEY
(SARCASTIC)
Red Sox just offered Ted Williams,
but I'll see what I can do.
BRAGAN
Thank you, Mr. Rickey.
Bragan leaves. Rickey looks at Parrott: ‘What do you know?'
CUT TO:
141 EXT. UNDER THE STANDS - EBBETS FIELD - LATE AFTERNOON 141
Rachel waiting. Jack exits, sees her, hadn't expected her.
JACK
You shouldn't have waited.
RACHEL
They haven't made a day long enough
that I wouldn't wait for you.
JACK
Give these boys time. It's a three
game series.
A beat between them, framed by the steel girders around them.
JACK (CONT'D)
I don't care if they like me; I
didn't come here to make friends.
I don't even care if they respect
me. I know who I am; I got enough
respect for myself. But I do not
want them to beat me.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 85.
RACHEL
They are never going to beat you.
JACK
They're taking their best shot. I
don't want you coming tomorrow. I
don't want you to watch that, them
beating me.
RACHEL
Wherever you are, I am, too. Look
at me. Jack...
He looks over. It's not easy for this most proud of men.
RACHEL
I have to watch. So our hearts
don't break... Plus I already
bought a scorecard.
She holds it up. His name the only one filled in.
RACHEL
And I put your name on it. See?
Jack Robinson.
He puts his hand out, takes hers.
JACK
I did good the day I met you.
RACHEL
Baby, you hit a home run.
CUT TO:
142 EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY 142
The SCOREBOARD shows 1 run scored by the Phillies in the top
of the first. Jack steps up to the plate. Here we go again.
INSERT: April 23, 1947. The next day.
CHAPMAN
Hey, porch monkey! Hey Robinson!
Hey boy! You know why you're here?
EDDIE STANKY
On the bench. Without warning, he blasts off it. MOVE WITH
him as he marches toward Chapman who doesn't see him coming.
CHAPMAN
You're here to draw those Nigger
dollars at the gate for Rickey!
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 86.
Chapman clocks the apoplectic Stanky. Spit flying as:
STANKY
Sit down. Sit down or I'll sit you
down.
CHAPMAN
What's the problem, Stank?
STANKY
You're the problem, you goddamn
disgrace! What kind of man are
you?! You know he can't fight!
Pick on someone who can fight!
BARBER'S VOICE
(OVER IT)
Eddie Stanky having a chin wag with
his ex-teammate Chapman. Both men
masters of distraction. Eddie, of
course, from second. Chapman from
the dugout.
Stanky so mad he can't see straight. Chapman surrenders.
CHAPMAN
Okay, okay. Jesus.
As Chapman disappears into his dugout, Jack whacks a single.
CUT TO:
143 EXT. DODGER DUGOUT - DAY 143
Stanky sits here stewing. His head down.
BARBER'S VOICE
Robinson on first, Pete Reiser at
bat. Reiser belts it. A long one.
Deep into left center. Back goes
Ennis who is not tall enough. This
one's off the wall. Robinson is
going to score from first.
Over Barber: a CRACK of the bat, the ROAR of the crowd. As
players around him react, Stanky finally looks up as Robinson
crosses the plate, heads in, sits a few feet from Stanky.
JACK
Thanks.
STANKY
For what? You're on my team. What
the hell am I supposed to do?
(SOFTLY)
I gotta look in the mirror, too.
PINK REV 4-19-12 86A.
Stanky stands, walks away. Today's gonna be okay.
CUT TO:
144 INT. BLACK CHURCH - BROOKLYN - DAY 144
A BLACK PREACHER leads his congregation in prayer.
PREACHER
Lord, make me an instrument of your
peace. Where there is hatred, let
me sow love. Where there is injury,
let me sow pardon. Where there is
darkness, let me sow light.
‘Amens'. We see Rickey sits in the back row, the day heavy
on him. A YOUNG GIRL turns, looks at him. Why's a white man
here? Rickey smiles, puts a finger to his lips... Shhhh.
CUT TO:
SALMON REV 6-4-12 87.
144A OMITTED 144A
144B OMITTED 144B
144C OMITTED 144C
144D OMITTED 144D
SALMON REV 6-4-12 87A.
145 INT. LOCKER ROOM - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 145
Players put on their uniforms as Higbe, in street clothes,
fires the contents of his locker into a cardboard box.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 87B.
HIGBE
I speak my mind and they trade me!
This ain't the America I know!
He glares down to Jack's locker. Jack regards him back.
It's Higbe who looks away first. He continues packing.
WALKER
Where are they sending you, Hig?
HIGBE
Pittsburgh! For cash and some I-
talian outfielder named Gionfriddo!
(CONSIDER HIS
JOCKSTRAP)
Pittsburgh...
CUT TO:
146 EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY 146
Dixie Walker takes batting practice, drives the ball all over
the field. A natural.
Rickey and Shotton watch from behind the backstop.
RICKEY
Do you remember the story, Burt, of
the 99 sheep? How one was missing?
SHOTTON
If you're talking about Dixie, I'd
leave the word sheep out of it.
RICKEY
I find myself at odds. I want
integration and the pennant. I
want to punish Dixie and at the
same time I want his salvation.
SHOTTON
Can't he just be a good ballplayer?
He has to be a good person, too?
RICKEY
It would be so much simpler if he
wasn't batting .385.
As Walker finishes, he passes Jack whose turn it is.
WALKER
She's all yours, Robinson.
As THUNDER rumbles in the distance...
CUT TO:
TAN REV 6-25-12 88.
147 OMITTED 147
147A INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 147A
Rain beats on the windows. Rickey looks over as Parrott
rushes in; he's out of breath and dripping wet. Parrott
holds up the Herald Tribune sports section.
PARROTT
The news isn't good, sir.
RICKEY
Nevertheless it must be accepted
calmly, Harold. What is it?
A headline: PLAYERS STRIKE. Parrott reads...
PARROTT
A National League players' strike
instigated by some of the St. Louis
Cardinals against the presence of
Negro first baseman Jackie Robinson
has been averted temporarily and
perhaps permanently quashed.
RICKEY
Madness! What are they thinking?!
CUT TO:
148 EXT. MANHATTAN HOTEL - DAY 148
Wendell Smith waits under an umbrella as the CARDINALS get
off the team bus. Smith buttonholes manager EDDIE DYER.
SMITH
Eddie, what's all this talk about
your Cardinals refusing to play?
DYER
We're here, aren't we? We didn't
come to New York to go to Macy's.
Dyer continues past him. Here comes big JOE GARAGIOLA.
SMITH
Hey, Garagiola --
GARAGIOLA
Get lost.
Here comes STAN MUSIAL, a class act if there ever was one.
SMITH
Hey, Stan, what's the story?
TAN REV 6-25-12 88A.
MUSIAL
This is big league baseball, not
English tea. Couple a guys
might've popped off; it's hot air.
CUT TO:
149 INT. HOTEL ROOM - MCALPIN HOTEL - DAY 149
Smith types out his report. As rain lashes the window, the
Empire State building looms a few block away.
SMITH (V.O.)
St. Louis didn't win the world
championship last year without
using their heads. They have the
same heads this year and should
know that they can't pick the
players of another club.
CUT TO:
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 89.
150 INT. EBBETS FIELD TRAINING TABLE - DAY 150
Jack sits here alone, tending to a bat. Cleaning it with
rubbing alcohol, handling it like the friend it is. Rickey
joins him. He has a newspaper in hand. He holds it up.
RICKEY
National League President Frick
says this is America and baseball
is America's game. He says one
citizen has as much right to play
as another.
(LOOKS UP)
Baseball will go on as planned once
the rain stops.
Jack eyes his bat.
JACK
Why are you doing this, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
Because my job is to win. I have
an obligation to Brooklyn to put
the best team on the field I can.
Your presence on the roster
increases our chances of winning.
Not buying it, Jack looks over at him.
JACK
If this is winning, I'd hate to see
us on a losing streak.
CUT TO:
150A INT. DODGER LOCKER ROOM - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 150A
Guys change into their street clothes. Branca reads to Reese
from the New York Post. Walker listens in from his locker.
BRANCA
Listen to this: Right now Robinson
is the loneliest man I have ever
seen in sports.
(UPSET)
Who's this guy to say Jackie's
lonely? He doesn't wear it on his
sleeve. Man's got one helluva game
face. Take no prisoners. How does
some reporter know how he feels.
They stop talking as Robinson walks past, the last one into
the shower, a couple of towels around him.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 89A.
BRANCA
Lonely? I say its the best game
face in the world.
WALKER
So long as he showers lonely, he
can have whatever face he wants.
CUT TO:
151 EXT. EBBETS FIELD STANDS (BETWEEN FIRST AND HOME) - DAY 151
Rachel sitting here. This section about two-thirds full.
INSERT: May 6, 1947. Brooklyn.
Then, about five rows behind her, two RACIST FANS find their
seats. They spot Jack down at first.
RACIST FAN #1
Look there he is! Black as the ace
of spades!
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 90.
RACIST FAN #1
Damn! You believe that? A genuine
nigger in a Dodger uniform.
As Rachel winces at his words --
BROOKLYN FAN #1
Shut up and go back to St. Louis!
RACIST FAN #1
Hey, you got a nigger on your team!
BROOKLYN FAN #2
So what?! He's better than anyone
you got!
RACIST FAN #1
Wait'll his cousin wants your job!
Don't you know nothing?
BROOKLYN FAN #1
Don't you?!
RACIST FAN #1
He's a nigger! Hey, black boy!
Rachel stares ahead, tries to maintain. She shows them her
back, sits up as straight as she can. Her movements heroic.
CUT TO:
152 EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY 152
Jack steps up against the Cardinals. Garagiola, the catcher,
shouts down to third.
GARAGIOLA
Watch this guy! He can't hit!
Especially the curve! He can only
get on base bunting!
As Jack digs into the box.
GARAGIOLA
Take your time, Robinson, you're
digging your own grave.
Big RED MUNGER looks in for the sign.
Garagiola flashes a sign: ‘1'. Wants it inside.
Here's the pitch. Inside. Jack just scoots back.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 90A.
152A RED BARBER - BOOTH 152A
BARBER
Takes a fastball in on the hands.
Robinson, who is pitched to a great
deal that way, uses a thicker
handle bat than most hitters, just
because he hits a lot of balls out
on his hands.
152B BATTER'S BOX 152B
Jack edges up closer to the plate.
JACK
What's your average, Joe?
GARAGIOLA
It'd be a lot higher than yours, if
I could run as fast as you can.
JACK
No matter how fast you run, you'll
never hit as much as you weigh.
Garagiola signals for another fastball.
GARAGIOLA
C'mon, Munger! Boy's got a hole in
his bat!
Munger throws inside.
Jack falls back, strokes a double into the gap.
BARBER'S VOICE
That one wasn't quite ‘in' enough.
Robinson punishing the Redbirds
with a smart piece of hitting.
RETURN TO:
152C EXT. EBBETS FIELD STANDS (BETWEEN FIRST AND HOME) - DAY 152C
The Brooklyn fans cheer; the Racist fan sulks. The double is
little comfort to Rachel who stares ahead, sitting as
straight up as she can. Willing herself not to cry.
CUT TO:
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 91.
153 OMITTED 153
154 INT. BROOKLYN CITY BUS - DAY 154
Jack and Rachel ride home. Forlorn, she stares out.
RACHEL
Oh Jack...
JACK
What is it, Rae?
RACHEL
Nothing. It's just, sometimes when
I sit up there with those bastards,
those loudmouths in the stands, I
know you can hear them.
JACK
Don't worry. It's okay.
RACHEL
No, it's not okay. And I can hear
them, too.
Jack looks at her, takes her hand in his.
JACK
I know. I'm sorry for that.
Rachel squeezes his hand back.
RACHEL
We're in it together. When they
start in on you, you know what I
do? I try to sit up as straight.
JACK
Yeah?
RACHEL
Straight as I can.
(MORE)
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 92.
RACHEL (CONT'D)
I got it in my head that I can
block it from you, some of it, if I
sit up straight.
(a sad smile)
Isn't that dumb?
Closing the space between them, he takes her hand.
JACK
It worked. I didn't hear a thing.
She tries to smiles. As the tears streak her cheeks, he
leans in kisses her forehead.
JACK
They're just ignorant.
RACHEL
If they knew you, they'd be
ashamed.
She puts her arm around him, draws that strength.
JACK
Hold on.
RACHEL
I am holding on.
JACK
Long as we hold on, it'll be okay.
CUT TO:
155 EXT. STANDS - EBBETS FIELD - DAY 155
WHACK! Rachel and Rickey watch Jack taking batting practice.
RICKEY
You look lovely, Mrs. Robinson.
RACHEL
Thank you.
RICKEY
I don't know how you do it. Every
day, from the 1st to the 9th.
Myself? I could pay $100 for a
suit and in twenty minutes I'd look
like I fell out of bed. Even my
shoes look rumpled.
They watch Jack crack one high off the Schaefer Beer sign.
RACHEL
I used to think Jack was conceited.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 93.
RICKEY
Is that so?
RACHEL
It was the very first thing I
noticed about him.
RICKEY
How did you two meet?
RACHEL
I saw him at a UCLA football game.
Even in uniform with a helmet on,
his vanity was awful. It was the
way he held his hands on his hips.
I hated him!
(RICKEY LAUGHS)
And on campus he always wore crisp
white shirts and I'd think his skin
is so dark, why would he do that?
Then I got to know him, his pride
and confidence, and I realized he
was showing off his color. I was
wrong. He wasn't conceited; he was
proud. Always, of who and what he
is. I'd never met another man like
that. What about you? How did you
meet your wife?
RICKEY
Trying to catch her in a race. She
was the fastest girl in town.
Beautiful legs. I finally caught
up; we've been together ever since.
They sit a moment. Below: Jack nails another one.
RICKEY
I wanted to apologize to you.
RACHEL
For what?
RICKEY
Everything. I can't apologize to
him. He and I both knew what we
were getting into. But you. A
newlywed, trying to blossom a
marriage under all this pressure.
RACHEL
Don't worry about me. Or us. We
know who we are.
Crack. Jack hits another.
WHITE 3-14-12 94.
RICKEY
Your husband has humbled me. When
this all began I thought I was
changing the world and that Jackie
was my instrument. Can you
imagine? I wish I could help him,
but I'm just a spectator.
RACHEL
You help him plenty. Believe me.
They watch him rip into another pitch.
RICKEY
Is he able to get things off his
chest? So he doesn't burn up?
RACHEL
Yes. I have to let him have that
silence at first, let him come to
me. But he opens up eventually.
RICKEY
Good. It's too much to carry
inside. Does he have any friends
on the team?
(she gives him a look)
They're spectators, too. They do
admire him though.
Rachel looks out to where Reese and Stanky play catch.
RACHEL
Do you think so?
RICKEY
Even the worst of us recognizes
courage. Moral courage especially.
I have to think they see it.
Jackie's a man on trial. He's
responding with glory and grace.
No one can take their eyes off him.
RACHEL
He's had himself on trial since the
day I met him. No man is harder on
himself or gets to himself worse
than Jack. But I hope his team-
mates know, they're on trial too.
RICKEY
I suppose we all are. You're an
astute woman, Mrs. Robinson.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 95.
RACHEL
(LAUGHS)
I have to be, Mr. Rickey, I'm
married to a man of destiny. I
can't let him down.
RICKEY
If I'd met you first, I wouldn't
have looked so long for Jackie.
RACHEL
How do you mean?
RICKEY
I mean if he was good enough for
you, he's certainly good enough for
the rest of us.
CUT TO:
156 INT. PENNOCK'S OFFICE - SHIBE PARK - DAY 156
Phillie GM HERB PENNOCK at his desk, on the phone.
PENNOCK
Branch, it's Herb.
157 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 157
RICKEY
What can I do for you, Herb?
INTERCUT THE FOLLOWING:
PENNOCK
How long have we known each other?
RICKEY
Twenty years. Maybe more.
PENNOCK
Then trust me when I say,
Brooklyn's due here tomorrow, but
you can not bring that Nigger down
here with the rest of your team.
Rickey grits his teeth, stays civil.
RICKEY
And why's that, Herb? His name's
Jackie Robinson by the way.
PENNOCK
We're just not ready for this sort
of thing in Philadelphia.
(MORE)
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 95aA.
PENNOCK (CONT'D)
I'm not sure we'll be able to take
the field against your team if that
boy is in uniform.
RICKEY
Herbert, what your team does is
your decision. But my team is
coming to Philadelphia. With
Robinson. If we have to claim the
game as a forfeit, we will. That's
9-0 in case you forgot.
PINK REV 4-19-12 95A.
PENNOCK
Branch, you've got one helluva hair
across your ass on this thing and
I, for one, would like to know what
you're trying to prove?
RICKEY
Do you think God likes baseball? I
do.
PENNOCK
What the hell does that mean?
RICKEY
It means you're going to meet God
one day, Herb, and when he inquires
why Robinson wasn't on the field in
Philadelphia and you answer because
he was a Negro, it may not be a
sufficient reply.
As Rickey hangs up the phone...
CUT TO:
BLUE REV 4-07-12 96.
158 OMITTED 158
159 EXT. THE BENJAMIN FRANKLIN HOTEL - DAY 159
The Dodger TEAM BUS pulls up. The doors whoosh open; Parrott
steps off looking official. As the players start to follow:
INSERT: May 9, 1947. Benjamin Franklin Hotel, Philadelphia.
PARROTT
Come on, fellas! We have twenty
minutes to check in and then get to
Shibe! Chop chop.
No one is listening as the TEAM DRIVER opens the lower
compartment and the players (including Jack) grab their bags.
HOTEL MANAGER
Out! Get that bus out of here!
The HOTEL MANAGER stalks over, flanked by HOTEL SECURITY.
PARROTT
We're the Dodgers. We have a
reservation.
HOTEL MANAGER
Your team's not welcome, not while
you have ballclub Negroes with you.
PARROTT
You mean Robinson can't stay here?
HOTEL MANAGER
I mean the entire team is refused!
PARROTT
We've been staying here ten years.
HOTEL MANAGER
And you can stay away that long!
SHOTTEN
(last off the bus)
Hold on now, let's talk about this.
The Hotel Manager jerks his thumb like an umpire.
HOTEL MANAGER
Get out! Now, grandpa!
SHOTTEN
Grandpa? Hey hold on, you!
Security getting between as Shotten and the Manager go at it.
BLUE REV 4-07-12 96A.
Jack is embarrassed, but what can he do? Walker says to no
one in particular, but loud enough for Jack to hear:
WALKER
Maybe 42's got enough friends in
town, we can bunk up.
JACK
What's that supposed to mean?
WALKER
Nothing. It's just, I know when
you can't get into a hotel, you got
people's houses you can stay at.
JACK
What do you want from me, Walker?
WALKER
An apology.
JACK
(STEPS FORWARD)
For what? Places like this?
Parrott alarmed at this turn of events.
WALKER
For turning this season into a
sideshow! I'm a ballplayer; I want
to play ball!
JACK
So am I! I'm here to win!
WALKER
How the hell are we gonna win
sleeping on the bus?!
PARROTT
FELLAS --
JACK
It might do you some good the way
you're swinging the bat lately.
DIXIE
Watch your mouth!
PINK REV 4-19-12 97.
Walker jabs his chest with a finger; Jack bats his hand away.
JACK
Watch your damn hand!
And they're lunging at each other. Separated by Reese,
Stanky, Branca and Bragan while other players hold off
Shotton. Two fights about to break out at the same time.
SHOTTEN
Grandpa?! I'll show you grandpa!
Parrott summons something deep, lets loose a shrill WHISTLE.
PARROTT
Fellas! Burt! Please! Take the
bus to the field! Worry about the
game. I'll find another hotel.
CUT TO:
160 INT. PENNOCK'S OFFICE - SHIBE PARK - DAY 160
Ben Chapman sits across from Herb Pennock who flips through
underlined newspaper reports. Pennock reads one:
PENNOCK
There is a great lynch mob among
us; they go unhooded and work
without rope.
(looks at him)
That's you, not me.
(reads some more)
We must remember that all this
country's enemies are not beyond
the frontiers of our home land.
CHAPMAN
Some Jew must've wrote that.
PENNOCK
This doesn't look good, Ben! It
makes the Phillies, look racist!
You've got to do something.
CHAPMAN
Me?!
CUT TO:
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 98.
161 INT. VISITOR'S LOCKER ROOM - SHIBE PARK - NIGHT 161
ON PARROTT. He's trying to work up the nerve for something.
Finally, he comes around the corner where Jack sits at his
locker talking to Smith.
PARROTT
Jackie, excuse me, um, a request
came in. The Phillies manager Ben
Chapman, he'd like his photo taken
with you.
Jack pretends to sniff the air around Parrott.
JACK
You been drinking, Harold?
PARROTT
Mr. Rickey thinks it's a good idea.
He says it'll be in every sports
page in the country. An example
that'll show everyone even the most
hardened man can change.
JACK
Chapman hasn't changed. He's just
trying to take the heat off.
PARROTT
Mr. Rickey says it doesn't matter
if he's changed. As long as it
looks like he's changed. Chapman
said he'd come down here. Or meet
you in the runway.
As Jack slow burns...
SMITH
See the ball come in slow. See the
photo come in slower.
JACK
(TO PARROTT)
Tell him on the field. Where
everyone can see him.
As Parrott smiles; he's done it.
PARROT
Perfect.
CUT TO:
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 98A.
162 EXT. HOME PLATE - SHIBE PARK - NIGHT 162
Chapman and Jack stand side-by-side facing the PRESS.
Chapman makes a little speech. Hypocrisy at its best.
CHAPMAN
Jackie's been accepted in baseball
and the Philadelphia organization
wish him all the luck we can. I
only hope in some small way our
trial of fire... helped him along.
Jack looks at him: Did he just say that?
GREEN REV 4-27-12 99.
PHOTOGRAPHER
How about a picture? Shake hands.
Bury the hatchet?
JACK
You want a picture? Sure.
Jack steps to the on-deck circle, grabs a BASEBALL BAT.
Chapman's eyes widen as he starts toward him with it.
JACK
(low to Chapman)
We'll hold the bat. That way we
don't have to touch skin.
Chapman nods, looks relieved. A photographer hands over a
bat. Chapman has two hands on the handle. Jack puts one
hand on the barrel, the other stays on his hip.
JACK
Ben, I hope all your friends back
home like the picture.
Jack smiles as the flashbulbs go off. Chapman looks dumb.
DIXIE WALKER
By the dugout with Stanky, watches in disbelief.
WALKER
Carl, I swear, I never thought I'd
see ol' Ben eat shit like that.
CUT TO:
163 EXT. FORBES FIELD - PITTSBURGH - DAY 163
FRITZ OSTERMUELLER on the mound. He takes a long look in at
Jack, at his catcher KLUTTZ who flicks his thumb: ‘Hit him.'
INSERT: May 17, 1947. Pittsburgh.
Here it comes. All Jack has time to do is cover his face to
lessen the blow. Beaned in the head, he goes down in a heap.
Branca leads the Dodger players out onto the field. The
UMPIRES move to head them off. Pirates as well. Kirby
Higbe, now in a Pirate uniform, claps his hands pleased.
BRANCA
(in his face)
Ostermeuller, you kraut! You gotta
bat, too! Don't you forget!
OSTERMUELLER
I'm ready, you Wop bastard!
PINK REV 4-19-12 99A.
BRANCA
It's gonna come right between your
eyes! Like a Kamikaze!
OSTERMUELLER
(RE: JACK)
For him!? He doesn't belong here!
BRANCA
You don't belong here! Go home to
Goering and Shmelling!
OSTERMUELLER
Make me, you goddamn dago!
WHITE 3-14-12 100.
As an UMPIRE gets between them, Jack sits up. He's okay.
CUT TO:
164 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 164
Rickey looks up as Reese enters. He holds a LETTER.
RICKEY
What can I do for you, Pee Wee?
REESE
Well, Mr. Rickey, it's like this,
the series in Cincinnati next week.
RICKEY
It's an important road trip, we're
only three games out of first.
REESE
Yes, sir. You know, I'm from
Kentucky.
RICKEY
Cincinnati's nearly a home game for
you.
REESE
I got this letter, sir. I guess
some people aren't too happy about
me playing with Robinson.
Rickey is not liking where this is going; he motions for the
letter, scans it, reads the highlights...
RICKEY
Nigger lover. Watch yourself. We
will get you, carpetbagger.
(holds it out)
Typical stuff.
Reese takes the letter back, a little hurt.
REESE
It's not typical to me.
RICKEY
How many of these letters have you
gotten, Pee Wee?
REESE
Just this. Ain't that enough?
Rickey looks Reese over a moment. Pushing back his chair he
steps over to a filing cabinet.
WHITE 3-14-12 101.
Motioning Reese to join him, he pulls open a drawer, pulls
out a 4-inch stack of flattened letters, then another, then a
third. He looks to Reese.
REESE (CONT'D)
What are those?
RICKEY
I'll tell you what they aren't,
they aren't letters from the Jackie
Robinson fan club. Here --
He thrusts a sheaf of it into Reese's hands. As Reese flips
through the stack of hate, reads:
REESE
Get out of baseball, or your baby
boy will die.
(NEXT ONE)
Quit baseball or your Nigger wife
will be...
Reese trails off, won't say it out loud. Skips to another.
REESE (CONT'D)
Get out of the game or be killed.
He looks at one more, reacts to the vitriol, but does not
utter it. Reese looks back at Rickey, shocked.
REESE (CONT'D)
Does Jackie know?
RICKEY
Of course he knows. And the FBI.
They're taking a threat in
Cincinnati pretty seriously. So
excuse me if I'm not too shocked at
you being called a carpetbagger.
You should be proud of it!
REESE
We'd just like to play ball, Mr.
Rickey. That's all we want to do.
RICKEY
I understand. I bet Jackie just
wants to play ball. I bet he wishes
he wasn't leading the league in hit
by pitch. I bet he wishes people
didn't want to kill him. But the
world isn't so simple anymore. I'm
not sure it ever was. We just,
baseball ignored it. Now we can't.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 102.
REESE
(QUIET)
Yes, Sir. I gotta get to practice.
CUT TO:
A 10-YEAR OLD BOY 165 165
In the stands. Freckled, cute. Looking at the men around
him, his own FATHER SHOUTING at Jack as the Dodgers take the
field (the Reds coming off it).
Jack headed for first. Pee Wee out to short.
FRECKLES
Nigger!
(then...)
We don't want you here!
INSERT: Crosley Field, Cincinnati, June 21, 1947.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
Cincinnati fans expressing their
displeasure as the Dodgers take the
field. Jackie Robinson at first.
The Brat Eddie Stanky at second.
Spider Jorgensen at third. And the
captain Pee Wee Reese at shortstop.
(A BEAT)
Ask any man and they'll tell you
that the Gillette Superspeed razor
is a honey. Maybe the sweetest
shaving razor you'll ever use.
166 OMITTED 166
167 OMITTED 167
BLUE REV 4-07-12 103.
168 EXT. INFIELD - CROSLEY FIELD - DAY 168
Jack reaches first, throws the ball around the infield. Many
in the crowd beyond rise to jeer and heap abuse. COON!
SHINE! Jack tries to let it wash over him.
At short, Reese receives the ball, moves to throw to first
when he pauses. Deciding, he suddenly moves to trot across
the diamond until he's alongside Jack.
JACK
What's up?
Now cries of CARPETBAGGER! cut through. PEE WEE, HOW CAN YOU
PLAY WITH THIS BLACK BASTARD!? Reese stares up at the worst
hecklers along the first base line. He looks a little sad.
REESE
They can say what they want; we're
here to play baseball.
JACK
Just a bunch of crackpots still
fighting the Civil War.
REESE
Hell, we'd a won that son of a gun
if the cornstalks had held out. We
just ran out of ammunition.
Jack laughs. Reese has a funny way of saying it.
JACK
Better luck next time, Pee Wee.
Reese impulsively puts his arm around Jack's shoulder, stares
into the Cincy dugout.
REESE
Ain't gonna be a next time. All we
got is right now. This right here.
Know what I mean?
Walker reacting out in right. The crowd shuts down, some in
shock at the gesture. Jack surprised also.
REESE (CONT'D)
Thank you, Jackie.
JACK
What're you thanking me for?
REESE
I've got family here from
Louisville. Up there somewhere. I
need ‘em to know who I am.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 104.
Jack moved by Pee Wee's gesture, can't find the words.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
Robinson and Reese conferring at
first. Maybe discussing an infield
shift on Baumholtz.
UMPIRE
Hey! Number one! You playing ball
or socializing?
REESE
Playing ball, ump! Playing ball!
(TO JACK)
Maybe tomorrow we'll all wear 42.
That way they won't be able to tell
us apart.
Reese heads for short. Jack pounds his fist in his glove.
CUT TO:
169 OMITTED 169
170 OMITTED 170
171 INT. TRAIN - ENROUTE TO NEW YORK - DAY 171
Jack playing Gin Rummy with Branca, Reese and Wendell Smith.
BRANCA
(to Smith; teasing)
You ever write about white guys in
your paper? I mean, if I threw a
no hitter and Jackie got a base
hit, what would the headline be?
SMITH
Jackie leads Dodgers to victory.
Again. Under that: white Italian
guy does ok.
They all laugh.
REESE
I'd call your folks for ya, Ralph.
Tell ‘em how you did.
BRANCA
No problem. It'll still make the
Post.
They play their hands as they talk.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 105.
REESE
We are on some kind of winning
streak, huh boys? And I don't mean
cards.
BRANCA
Hey, maybe forty of our last fifty.
SMITH
Thirty-two and fifteen actually.
Since the 4th of July.
BRANCA
Math is why I throw a baseball for
a living.
REESE
This next series against the
Cardinals, it's a big one.
They look over at Jack who hasn't said a word. It's his
play. He lays his cards down. Deadpan as he wins the hand.
JACK
Gin.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
The top of the 11th inning, all
tied at 2. For those of you just
tuning in, how did we get here?
CUT TO:
A172 JACK AT BAT A172
Jack strokes a DOUBLE over Stanky's head as Stanky breaks off
second for third.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
It's been double trouble as
Robinson knocked in Stanky with a
double in the third...
B172 DIXIE WALKER AT BAT B172
Walker strokes a DOUBLE over Stanky's head as Stanky breaks
off second for third.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
...And Dixie Walker did the same
with a double in the eighth.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 105A.
172 EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY 172
ENOS SLAUGHTER steps in for St. Louis. Hugh Casey on the
mound for Brooklyn. Slaughter looks fiercely determined.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
It wasn't enough as the Cardinals
tied it with two of their own in
the top of the ninth. This game is
crucial to the Red Birds. They're
five games out, the Dodgers having
not relinquished first place sine
June 30th.
Casey throws a pitch. Inside, a ball.
INSERT: August 20, 1947. Brooklyn.
RED BARBER'S VOICE
Slaughter takes ball one low.
Casey in his second inning of
relief. This game is tighter than
a new pair of shoes on a rainy day.
Slaughter hitless in four trips as
Casey goes into his wind-up.
Slaughter swings, hits a hard ground ball right at Reese who
fires over to Jack at first. Slaughter is out by fifteen
feet, but he never slows down. And his foot comes down --
-- High on Jack's right calf. Slaughter's spiked him
something wicked. Jack goes down in a heap clutching his
leg, blood already seeping through his high socks.
Slaughter, head down, on his way to the visitor's dugout as
Dodger players pour out of their own to protest. As the UMP
raises his hands, motions them all back... Jack pulls up his
sock, a bloody mess. Stanky looks to Casey.
WHITE 3-14-12 106.
STANKY
Next batter, throw right at his
head. Clean his clock --
JACK
(FIERCE)
Just get him out. Understand?
Game's too important.
As Casey nods, Jack reaches up to Stanky and Reese.
They pull him to his feet. Jack looks, finds Rachel in the
stands. As he gives her a little wave: ‘I'm okay.'
CUT TO:
173 WHITEY KUROWSKI 173
A big Cardinal slugger at bat. Casey pitching.
BARBER'S VOICE
The top of the 12th and Kurowski at
the plate. He hit his 20th home
run on Monday so Casey's going to
want to be careful with him.
The pitch grooves in and Kurowski nails it.
BARBER'S VOICE (CONT'D)
Oh dear. There goes number 21.
CUT TO:
174 SCOREBOARD - EBBETS FIELD 174
The Cardinals leading 3-2 going into the bottom of the 12th.
175 JACK 175
The stadium electric as Jack steps in, his left leg bloody.
He takes an inside pitch at the knees. Bastards!
Here comes the next one. WHACK - He singles hard up the
middle, nearly takes the pitcher's head off.
FIRST BASE
He rounds hard, returns to the bag. Reiser stepping up to
the plate as Musial holds Jack on at first. Jack in a fury.
JACK
I don't care what happens, I don't
care what kind of play it is, when
I get to second I'm gonna knock
someone into centerfield.
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 107.
MUSIAL
(glances at blood)
I don't blame you, man, you got
every right.
Jack running on the pitch. Reiser bunts. The play is to
first. Reiser is out and Jack slides safe into second.
SCHOENDIENST has the sense to vacate before he gets there.
JACK
Bouncing up and down, wearing that badge of potential
violence and action. The crowd buzzing, the electricity
practically hits you in the face. Jack's going to score.
RICKEY
Coming up out of his seat along with the fans around him.
JACK
Walker at bat. Jack steps out, checks on MARION the
shortstop. He takes another step out, looks to Schoendienst.
RED BARBER
(over it all)
Munger sets. Robbie back and forth
off second. The third bag clearly
in his sights. Oh, and Munger
deals a pick off throw to Marion at
second and Robinson is out!
Marion breaks for the bag and Munger turns and fires a
strike. Marion brings down the tag -- Out!
He is and he knows it. The crowd stunned into silence. Jack
frozen a moment, head down, furious with himself. Low.
BARBER'S VOICE
The Cardinals pick up a game. It
was one of those plays where you do
or you don't and Jackie didn't.
CUT TO:
176 INT. TRAINER'S TABLE - DODGER CLUBHOUSE - DAY 176
Jack on his stomach as STITCHES are sewn into his leg.
REPORTERS in front of him.
REPORTER ONE
Did he spike you on purpose?
YELLOW REV 4-24-12 107A.
JACK
You saw the play. I had my foot
inside the bag. He was out by a
mile. But he kept coming.
REPORTER TWO
Slaughter said it was an accident.
JACK
What are you asking me for then?
REPORTER TWO
Are you calling Slaughter a liar?
CHERRY REV 6-11-12 108.
This guy's a real jerk. Rickey arrives, a BASEBALL in hand.
RICKEY
Get out. Let me talk to my first
baseman. Go. He's getting
stitched up for Pete's sake.
The reporters move off for other interviews. Reporter Two
hesitant to let it go, finally drifts off. Rickey watches.
RICKEY
Sticking up for yourself is what
you'd expect of any man. Some find
it galling to see it in a Negro.
JACK
I'm sorry, Mr. Rickey.
RICKEY
Sorry? Sorry for what?
JACK
I lost my cool out there. It
probably cost us the game.
RICKEY
I told you, Jackie, all the best
base runners get caught sometimes.
JACK
I wasn't thinking.
Rickey pulls up a chair sits across from him, leans in.
RICKEY
Do you know what I saw this
morning? I was passing a sandlot
and a little white boy was up to
bat. You know what he was doing?
JACK
Sitting on a fastball?
RICKEY
He was pretending he was you.
Wiping his hands on his pants,
swinging with his arms outstretched
like you do. A little white boy
pretending he was a black man.
CUT TO:
177 OMITTED 177
CHERRY REV 6-11-12 109.
178 INT. TRAINER'S TABLE - DODGER CLUBHOUSE - DAY 178
The two men, who have done so much, looking each other over.
JACK
Why are you doing this, Mr. Rickey?
RICKEY
We had victory over fascism in
Germany; it's time for victory over
racism at home.
JACK
Why are you doing this? Come on
now.
A long moment between them. Finally, Rickey looks away.
RICKEY
I love this game. I love baseball.
I've given my life to it. Forty
odd years ago I was a player coach
at Ohio Wesleyan University. We
had a Negro catcher, best hitter on
the team. Charley Thomas.
Rickey starts slowly rubbing the baseball in his hands.
RICKEY
A fine young man. I saw him laid
low. Broken because of the color
of his skin and I didn't do enough
to help. I told myself I did, but
I didn't. The game I loved had
something unfair at the heart of
it. I ignored it. But a time came
when I could no longer do that.
(LOOKS UP)
You let me love baseball again.
Thank you.
Jack's eyes gentle on Rickey's.
JACK
You're welcome.
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 110.
Rickey fighting back tears now, retreats to his more
confident self.
RICKEY
You're a force of nature, Jackie,
you've complicated everything but
yourself. You're changing the
world, and refusing to let it
change you. I for one am in awe.
Jack reaches, takes the baseball from him. A beat as they
consider each other. Finally, a promise...
JACK
I won't get picked off second base
again. Not this year.
CUT TO:
179 OMITTED 179
180 OMITTED 180
181 OMITTED 181
182 OMITTED 182
GOLDENROD REV 5-9-12 111.
183 OMITTED 183
184 INT. BEDROOM - 526 MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 184
It's early. Rachel watches from bed as Jack finishes
packing. She looks sad.
Jack looks into the cradle at Jackie Jr..
JACK
It's pop's last long road trip of
the year, little man.
RACHEL
Careful you don't wake him.
JACK
I know. I won't.
(LOOKS OVER)
You okay?
RACHEL
I don't like seeing you leave,
that's all.
He looks at her a beat, resumes packing...
JACK
I'll be home in a week.
RACHEL
Eleven days. That's a long time
without you.
He doesn't answer, packs away. Finally:
RACHEL
Try not to lunge at the plate.
JACK
Seriously?
RACHEL
That's why they're throwing the
fastballs inside.
He looks at her, a little shocked.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 112.
RACHEL
Fight those inside fastballs off,
foul them back. Sooner or later
they won't be able to help but
throw a curve.
He steps to the bed, leans over her.
JACK
And what'll happen then?
She clucks a 'hit' sound, makes an 'ahhhhhh' crowd sound.
JACK
We win enough of these next games
and we'll bring home the pennant.
RACHEL
Pennant? Where are we going to put
a pennant? All these baby diapers
hanging everywhere.
Jack looks around the room, at the diapers hanging.
JACK
We got room right over there.
Between number one and number two.
She mock grimaces at his bad joke.
RACHEL
Win one if you have to, but bring
yourself home; that'll be plenty.
They kiss.
JACK
Rae, you're in my heart.
RACHEL
Promise me you'll come home. That
you'll always come home.
As he looks at all he loves in the world...
JACK
I promise.
CUT TO:
184A EXT. MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 184A
Jack exits MacDonough Street apartment building and makes his
way down the street.
185 OMITTED 185
BUFF REV 5-29-12 113-114.
186 OMITTED 186
187 OMITTED 187
188 OMITTED 188
188A EXT. SPORTSMAN PARK - ST. LOUIS - DAY 188A
A CARDINAL RUNNER on second. Jackie holding another RUNNER
on first as the St. Louis crowd ROARS.
BARBER'S VOICE
2 on 2 out for the Cardinals in the
eighth. Anxious moments now as
they've cut the Dodger lead to 2.
Nippy Jones up. Musial taking his
place on deck. Jones likes to
punch that ball when he swings.
Insert: September 13, 1947.
Casey on the mound receives the ball. Pounds his glove.
JACK
Come on, Casey, get him out! Pitch
that ball!
BARBER'S VOICE
The outfield is deep, shaded toward
left. Robinson holding the runner
on first. Here comes Casey with
the pitch --
Jones swings, pops it up.
BARBER
It's popped up foul toward first.
Should be out of play. But here
comes Robinson, he's coming hard --
189 OMITTED 189
190 OMITTED 190
191 OMITTED 191
192 OMITTED 192
BUFF REV 5-29-12 115.
CUT TO:
193 EXT. SPORTSMAN PARK - ST. LOUIS - DAY 193
Jack chasing down the foul, headed right for the open steps
of his own dugout. He never considers the peril as he
CATCHES THE BALL and his left foot comes down onto nothing --
BRANCA LEAPS forward, tackles Jack back onto the infield.
BARBER'S VOICE
He's got it! And one of the
Dodgers has him!
CUT TO:
194 OMITTED 194
195 OMITTED 195
196 INT. VISITOR'S LOCKER ROOM - SPORTSMAN PARK - DAY 196
BARBER'S VOICE
The Dodgers closing in on the
Pennant as they'll leave St. Louis
for Cincinnati and a three game
series with the Reds.
Jack sits in his grass stained pants after the game. Most of
the guys are in the shower. Branca, a towel around his
waist, is headed there himself. The sight of Jack stops him.
BRANCA
Can I ask you something, Jackie?
How come you never shower until
everyone else is done?
Jack just stares at him. Branca won't let it drop.
BRANCA
You shy or something?
JACK
I don't want to make anyone
uncomfortable.
BUFF REV 5-29-12 116.
BRANCA
We're a team. On a hot streak.
Half the wins on account of you.
You're the bravest guy I ever saw.
You're leading us and you're afraid
to take a shower?
A beat as Jack considers him. Stone-faced.
BRANCA
C'mon. Take a shower with me.
(A BEAT)
Hey, I don't mean it like that.
CUT TO:
197 SHOWERS 197
The Dodgers showering, guys chattering. Suddenly, there's
Branca and Jack at the shower entrance. All eyes look over.
Branca enters. Then Jack. A beat and everyone goes back to
getting clean. It's no big deal. Except...
Dixie Walker looks to the floor, shakes his head. Finally,
quietly, he leaves. Who's the loneliest man on the team now?
CUT TO:
198 INT. BRANCH RICKEY'S OFFICE - BROOKLYN - DAY 198
As the phone rings, Rickey grabs it. On edge.
INSERT: September 16, 1947
RICKEY
Rickey here.
199 INTERCUT WITH PARROTT 199
On a payphone in the CROSLEY FIELD CONCOURSE.
PARROTT
We did it, Boss! We did it! We
swept Cincinnati! That puts us
seven games up.
Joyous, Rickey grabs a sheet showing the NL standings.
RICKEY
And eliminates the Giants and
Boston.
He puts an ‘X' through Boston and the Giants. The rest of
the NL are already crossed out. Only the Cardinals remain.
At the same time, Parrott X's the same out on his notebook.
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 117.
RICKEY
We'd have to lose nearly every game
for the Cardinals to catch us now.
One more win may do it. Who's
pitching tomorrow for the Pirates?
PARROTT
Ostermueller.
CUT TO:
199A EXT. MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 199A
Rachel walks pushing Jackie Junior in his stroller. As she
moves, the RADIO BROADCAST of the Dodgers' game can be heard
from one house to the next. In a gap, a passing car picks it
up and we hear it from the window. Then another house.
BARBER'S VOICE
A very big game today here in
Pittsburgh. A win and the Dodgers
will have clinched the National
League Pennant.
CUT TO:
199B EXT. EBBETS FIELD - DAY 199B
Branch Rickey alone in the stadium. The field empty as he
listens to the call of the game over the PA.
BARBER'S VOICE
Fritz Ostermueller on the mound.
He's 12 and 8 on the season.
200 EXT. FORBES FIELD - PITTSBURGH - DAY 200
INSERT: September 17, 1947. Pittsburgh.
Ostermueller on the rubber. Staring in at Jack.
OSTERMUELLER
You don't belong! You'll never
belong!
Jack waits. Ostermueller pitches.
BARBER'S VOICE
Here comes the pitch and Robinson
takes outside. Ball one.
200A RACHEL - ON MACDONOUGH STREET 200A
Listening as --
DBL. WHITE REV 6-28-12 117A.
BARBER'S VOICE
Ostermueller winds and throws, low
and away ball two. Fritz seems to
be pitching around Jackie. Or
trying to get him to chase.
RACHEL
Come on. Throw him a strike.
CUT TO:
200B EXT. FORBES FIELD - PITTSBURGH - DAY 200B
Shakes off one sign, then nods at the next. Throws the ball
well outside. Another pitch outside. “Ball Three!”
BARBER'S VOICE
3 and 0 now. Robinson waiting on
something he can swing on.
As catcher Kluttz throws it back...
JACK
Give me something I can hit!
(TO HIMSELF)
What are you afraid of?
OSTERMUELLER
You want it?!
(TO HIMSELF)
Careful what you wish for boy...
Ostermueller nods at the sign. Jack about to slay the dragon
as the pitch comes in - WHACK! The ball is going for a ride.
BARBER'S VOICE
That is a deep fly ball to left.
Kiner on his horse, but I don't
think he'll get there.
200C EBBETS FIELD 200C
Rickey standing, looking up like he can see it.
BARBER'S VOICE
Back, back, back and oh doctor!
Robinson got his pitch!
CUT TO:
200D FORBES FIELD 200D
The ball sails out: HOME RUN! Ostermueller hangs his head.
DBL. WHITE REV 6-28-12 117B.
200E INT. MACDONOUGH STREET APARTMENT - BROOKLYN - DAY 200E
Rachel listening, smiling as CHEERS sound from outside the
apartment. We hear the sound of car horns on the street.
200F JACK 200F
He runs toward first and we run with him. The smile starts
somewhere in his body. His heart most likely. By the time
it reaches his face, his joy has erupted. The weight of the
world starting to drop.
TAN REV 6-25-12 118.
201 PIRATES DUGOUT 201
Kirby Higbe who watches Robinson round the bases in disgust.
HIGBE
Pittsburgh...
202 JACKIE ROBINSON 202
Nears second on his home run trot. Even the Pittsburgh crowd
starting to applaud him.
CUT TO:
203 OMITTED 203
203A EBBETS FIELD 203A
Rickey absorbing the moment. It's almost too much.
204 JACKIE ROBINSON 204
Rounding second and headed for third. The weight of the
world somehow lifting. They gave him one he could hit.
CUT TO:
DBL. BLUE REV 7-9-12 119.
205 OMITTED 205
206 42 206
We're tight on Jack's back as he heads for home at Forbes
Field. 90 feet away... 75...
207 WENDELL SMITH IN THE STANDS 207
Finally inspired to type: T-h-a-n-k y-o-u, J-a-c-k-i-e.
208 JACKIE ROBINSON 208
Nearing home. About to step on the plate. He closes his
eyes as well and --
WE CUT TO:
209 EXT. 526 MACDONOUGH STREET - BROOKLYN - DAY 209
Rachel all alone on the sidewalk looking up and down the
street. And suddenly there he is... Jack, scooting between
two cars, hurrying to her. And they're in each others arms.
JACK
I'm home.
RACHEL
Safe.
(RE: HOUSE)
The baby's sleeping so don't you
make a sound.
He makes to button his lips.
RACHEL
Stay just like that.
She kisses him. And kisses him. And he kisses her back. As
they finally head inside, we let them go. And as we're left
looking down the street, a crawl begins:
BLUE REV 4-07-12 120.
Branch Rickey was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1967.
Pee Wee Reese was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1984.
Bobby Bragan retired the following year and became a manager
in the Dodger minor leagues. He is credited with mentoring
several African American minor league players.
Wendell Smith became the first African-American sportswriter
to join the Baseball Writers Association in 1948.
Ben Chapman was fired in 1948 and never managed again.
Eddie Stanky went on to manage the St. Louis Cardinals, the
Chicago White Sox and the Texas Rangers.
Ralph Branca lives and works in Rye, New York.
Dixie Walker was traded the following season to Pittsburgh.
Ed Charles grew up to become a professional baseball player.
He won the World Series in 1969 with the Miracle Mets.
Rachel Robinson splits her time between Connecticut and
Manhattan where she runs the Jackie Robinson Foundation.
Jackie Robinson was named Major League Rookie of the Year in
1947. He won the World Series in 1955 against the New York
Yankees, stealing home in Game One. He was elected to the
Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962.
We end on a montage of Jackie Robinson Day in present time.
Every year in April, all MLB players wear the number 42 as a
reminder of Jackie's accomplishments on and off the field.
The number 42 is the only number retired by all of baseball.
We see 42s leaving their dugouts, 42s at bat, 42s in the
field, 42s signing autographs, 42s stealing bases, 42s lined
up for the National Anthem.
FREEZE FRAME on a 42.
The End.
|
