2012
Branch Rickey, General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, initiates a plan to integrate Major League Baseball by signing a Black player, selecting Jackie Robinson for his exceptional talent and resilient character. Jackie and his wife, Rachel, face immediate and pervasive racism during spring training, including segregated facilities, denied services, and threats, forcing them to travel by bus and endure constant humiliation. Despite the challenges, Jackie signs with the Montreal Royals and later the Brooklyn Dodgers, where he endures relentless verbal abuse from opposing teams, particularly the Philadelphia Phillies' manager Ben Chapman, and isolation from some of his teammates. After a moment of intense frustration where Jackie nearly breaks under the pressure, Rickey reminds him of the greater cause, and Jackie finds support from unexpected allies like teammate Pee Wee Reese, who publicly embraces him on the field. Jackie's perseverance and exceptional play lead the Dodgers to the World Series, breaking down barriers and inspiring a generation, as he ultimately showers with his teammates, signifying a hard-won acceptance and the profound impact of his courage.
Save the Cat beat sheet
A visionary executive plans to break baseball’s color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson, who must navigate personal and systemic challenges.
Open full beat sheetJackie Robinson is listed as Professional Baseball Player. Athletic, proud, resilient, born battler, UCLA graduate. In the parsed data, Jackie Robinson is connected to 66 scenes, 88 dialogue lines, 93 text mentions, first appearing around scene 8.
66 scenes / 88 dialogue linesRachel Robinson is listed as Jackie's wife. Stylish, supportive, intelligent, strong-willed. In the parsed data, Rachel Robinson is connected to 31 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 55.
31 scenes / 23 dialogue linesBranch Rickey is listed as General Manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers. Visionary, determined, Methodist, older man with bushy eyebrows. In the parsed data, Branch Rickey is connected to 27 scenes, 95 dialogue lines, 97 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
27 scenes / 95 dialogue linesWendell Smith is listed as Sports Writer for the Pittsburgh Courier. Journalist, Jackie's chronicler and chauffeur. In the parsed data, Wendell Smith is connected to 17 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 30.
17 scenes / 15 dialogue linesHarold Parrott is listed as Dodger Traveling Secretary. Nervous, efficient, loyal. In the parsed data, Harold Parrott is connected to 14 scenes, 23 dialogue lines, 23 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
14 scenes / 23 dialogue linesRalph Branca is listed as Dodger Pitcher. Young, supportive, outspoken. In the parsed data, Ralph Branca is connected to 11 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 16 text mentions, first appearing around scene 58.
11 scenes / 15 dialogue linesPee Wee Reese is listed as Dodger Shortstop. Team captain, empathetic, fair-minded. In the parsed data, Pee Wee Reese is connected to 10 scenes, 26 dialogue lines, 26 text mentions, first appearing around scene 57.
10 scenes / 26 dialogue linesDixie Walker is listed as Dodger Right Fielder. Veteran, resistant to change, protective of his status. In the parsed data, Dixie Walker is connected to 9 scenes, 15 dialogue lines, 19 text mentions, first appearing around scene 47.
9 scenes / 15 dialogue linesBen Chapman is listed as Phillies Manager. Racist, aggressive, antagonist. In the parsed data, Ben Chapman is connected to 8 scenes, 6 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 63.
8 scenes / 6 dialogue linesEddie Stanky is listed as Dodger Second Baseman. Pugnacious, competitive, initially resistant but ultimately supportive. In the parsed data, Eddie Stanky is connected to 8 scenes, 2 dialogue lines, 2 text mentions, first appearing around scene 58.
8 scenes / 2 dialogue linesClyde Sukeforth is listed as Dodger Coach/Scout. Loyal, observant, Rickey's right-hand man. In the parsed data, Clyde Sukeforth is connected to 5 scenes, 7 dialogue lines, 7 text mentions, first appearing around scene 1.
5 scenes / 7 dialogue linesBurt Shotton is listed as Dodger Manager. Older, experienced, brought in to replace Durocher. In the parsed data, Burt Shotton is connected to 4 scenes, 4 dialogue lines, 5 text mentions, first appearing around scene 61.
4 scenes / 4 dialogue linesLeo Durocher is listed as Dodger Manager. Aggressive, win-at-all-costs, charismatic. In the parsed data, Leo Durocher is connected to 3 scenes, 1 dialogue line, 1 text mention, first appearing around scene 29.
3 scenes / 1 dialogue linesBranch Rickey informs Clyde Sukeforth and Harold Parrott of his plan to bring a Negro ballplayer to the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Branch Rickey, Clyde Sukeforth, Harold ParrottJackie Robinson plays in a game against the Birmingham Black Barons and engages in a physical altercation with the catcher.
Jackie RobinsonRickey and his staff review scouting reports and select Jackie Robinson as their candidate.
Branch Rickey, Clyde Sukeforth, Harold ParrottRobinson confronts a gas station attendant over the use of a segregated restroom.
Jackie RobinsonRobinson cleans up in the restroom and reflects on his situation.
Jackie RobinsonClyde Sukeforth approaches Robinson at the filling station.
Jackie Robinson, Clyde SukeforthRickey interviews Robinson and offers him a contract with the condition that he controls his temper.
Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson, Clyde SukeforthRachel receives a phone call from Jackie.
Rachel RobinsonJackie calls Rachel to tell her he has been signed by the Dodgers.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Rachel get married.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonRickey hires Wendell Smith to accompany and assist Robinson during spring training.
Branch Rickey, Wendell SmithA racist skit mocking Robinson is performed at a baseball dinner.
Jackie and Rachel are seen off by family before their flight.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Rachel discuss the chicken box.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonRachel encounters a segregated restroom sign.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Rachel are denied service at the airport coffee shop.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Rachel wait in the terminal.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonAn airline employee asks Jackie and Rachel to leave the plane.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Rachel are told they must leave the plane due to weight restrictions.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJack and Rachel are denied their flight seats by Miss Bishop, who gives them to a white couple, leading to a confrontation.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, Branch RickeyJack and Rachel wait for a bus, sharing a meal from a shoebox.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonLeo Durocher runs spring training drills while players interact.
Leo Durocher, Pee Wee Reese, Eddie Stanky, Dixie WalkerRickey arrives at the field and learns Jackie Robinson is on a bus.
Branch Rickey, Leo Durocher, Harold Parrott, Ralph BrancaWendell Smith meets Jack and Rachel at the bus station.
Wendell Smith, Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonSmith and the Robinsons discuss the realities of the South.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, Wendell SmithSmith drops the Robinsons off at the Harris house.
Wendell Smith, Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonMrs. Harris shows the Robinsons to their room.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJack and Rachel settle into their small room.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonSmith advises Jack on how to handle the press.
Wendell Smith, Jackie RobinsonRickey rants to Parrott about the treatment of the Negro race.
Branch Rickey, Harold ParrottJack faces the press for the first time at training.
Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee Reese, Eddie Stanky, Wendell SmithDodger players mock Jack as he leaves the field.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell Smith, Pee Wee Reese, Dixie Walker, Eddie Stanky, Ralph BrancaJack and Smith arrive at the Brock house in Sanford.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell SmithRickey confronts Hopper about his attitude toward Jack.
Branch Rickey, Jackie RobinsonA man warns Smith and Brock that there will be trouble if Jack stays.
Wendell SmithRickey orders Smith to get Jack out of Sanford immediately.
Branch RickeyJackie Robinson plays a game, gets a bunt double, and is confronted by a racist policeman after scoring.
Jackie Robinson, Clyde Sukeforth, Ben ChapmanSmith tells Jack they must leave.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell SmithSmith and Jack flee Sanford.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell SmithBlack fans gather to see Jackie Robinson play.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, Wendell SmithJackie Robinson turns a double play while being aggressively slid into by Dixie Walker.
Jackie Robinson, Dixie WalkerRickey reflects on the injustice of segregation.
Branch RickeyRickey confronts Dixie Walker about his request to be traded due to Robinson.
Branch Rickey, Dixie WalkerJack bats in his first game.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel Robinson, Wendell Smith, Pee Wee Reese, Ralph BrancaJackie arrives in New York and is met by Wendell Smith.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell SmithJack is confronted by a policeman after a play.
Jackie RobinsonSmith and Jackie discuss the pressures of the situation and their personal stakes.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell SmithRickey discusses the pressure to bring Robinson up to the Dodgers with Parrott.
Branch Rickey, Harold ParrottJackie and Rachel walk; Jackie recounts the incident with the policeman. A stranger approaches to offer support.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonHappy Chandler informs Rickey that Leo Durocher is suspended.
Branch Rickey, Harold ParrottRickey informs Jackie he has earned a spot on the Montreal Royals.
Branch Rickey, Jackie RobinsonDurocher cleans out his locker after his suspension.
Leo DurocherJackie is called to Rickey's office to sign his contract.
Jackie RobinsonJackie signs his contract with the Dodgers.
Branch Rickey, Jackie Robinson, Harold ParrottJackie calls Rachel to tell her he is in Brooklyn.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Rachel share a quiet moment.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJackie and Pee Wee Reese meet at the drug store.
Jackie Robinson, Pee Wee ReeseJackie enters the locker room and meets his teammates.
Jackie Robinson, Eddie Stanky, Ralph BrancaJackie makes his debut at Ebbets Field.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonRickey convinces Burt Shotton to manage the Dodgers.
Branch Rickey, Harold Parrott, Burt ShottonShotton addresses the team.
Jackie Robinson, Burt ShottonJackie and Rachel have dinner in Harlem.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonBen Chapman taunts Jackie during a game.
Jackie Robinson, Eddie Stanky, Ben ChapmanJack Robinson faces Phillies pitcher Dutch Leonard while enduring racist taunts from Ben Chapman.
Jackie Robinson, Dixie Walker, Eddie Stanky, Ben Chapman, Burt Shotton, Rachel RobinsonJack sits in silence after his at-bat, isolated from his teammates.
Jackie RobinsonRachel watches Jack from the stands, trying to offer silent support.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonJack bats again; Chapman continues his verbal abuse.
Jackie Robinson, Ben Chapman, Pee Wee Reese, Dixie Walker, Eddie Stanky, Branch RickeyJack destroys his bat in a fit of rage; Rickey confronts him.
Jackie Robinson, Branch RickeyJack returns to the field and hits a single.
Jackie Robinson, Ben ChapmanJack steals second and third base.
Jackie RobinsonChapman dismisses the controversy to reporters.
Ben ChapmanRickey discusses the situation with Parrott and Bragan.
Branch Rickey, Harold Parrott, Ralph BrancaJack and Rachel share a moment of support.
Jackie Robinson, Rachel RobinsonRachel and Rickey discuss Jackie's resilience and the burden he carries.
Branch Rickey, Rachel RobinsonPennock calls Rickey to demand Jackie not play in Philadelphia.
Branch Rickey, Harold ParrottThe Dodgers are refused entry to the hotel due to Jackie's presence, leading to a confrontation.
Jackie Robinson, Dixie Walker, Harold Parrott, Burt ShottonPennock confronts Chapman about the negative press regarding the Phillies' racism.
Ben Chapman, Harold ParrottParrott asks Jackie to take a photo with Chapman; Jackie refuses to do it off-field.
Jackie Robinson, Wendell Smith, Harold ParrottJackie and Chapman pose for a photo with a bat to avoid touching.
Jackie Robinson, Dixie Walker, Ben ChapmanJackie is beaned by Ostermueller, causing a bench-clearing confrontation.
Jackie Robinson, Ralph BrancaI 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. And me? I'm just young and scared and amazed at how brave you are.
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.
There is a great lynch mob among us; they go unhooded and work without rope. That's you, not me. We must remember that all this country's enemies are not beyond the frontiers of our home land.
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.
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