“Baseball.” Turner Home Video, 1994.
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This lengthy PBS documentary produced, directed, and written by Ken Burns has some excellent footage on black baseball and the Negro Leagues, though you will have to put various sections together for class viewing. The film is too long for elementary pupils, but showing some excerpts from the games history could help pupils put black baseball in its general context. Excellent section on Jackie Robinson.
“The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars &Motor Kings.” MCA Universal Pictures, 1976.
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Big name stars give us a picture of a barnstorming team attempting to break away from their own League. Some characters seem very loosely based of real personalities. Some sections are not appropriate for younger students. Rated PG.
“The Court-Martial of Jackie Robinson.” Turner Home Entertainment, 1991.
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Using a well-known cast, focuses on Jackie’s stint in the army. Shows many of the racist individuals and practices he faced, the conflicts they created, and how Robinson was able to handle them. An incident which occurred on an Army bus and resulted in Jackie’s court-martial could be paralleled with Rosa Parks’ refusal to relinquish her seat in Birmingham, Alabama. Film is generally appropriate for younger children but does contain some strong language and frequent use of the word “nigger.”
“Jackie Robinson.” A&E Home Video, 1991.
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Following the A&E Biography format, this video combines narration, quotes, and representative film clips to tell us the story of Jackie Robinson. Quite appropriate for young children.
“The Jackie Robinson Story.” Eagle Lion, 1950.
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Starring Jackie Robinson as himself, this low budget film despite its weaknesses is still able to give us a picture of the struggles and humiliation Robinson faced during the first years of his baseball career. The book, Jackie Robinson: An Intimate Portrait, contains a short section on the film, along with a number of interesting photographs.
“Only the Ball Was White.” MPI Home Video, 1992.
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Narrated by Paul Winfield, this film features remembrances from stars of the Negro Leagues. It provides an opportunity for students to see and hear these players. Appropriate for young children.
“Soul of the Game.” HBO Pictures, 1996.
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This film focuses on the friendly competition among Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, and Jackie Robinson during the year before Robinson’s signing, which does not follow most written accounts. With a PG-13 rating it is not appropriate for young children. (Strong language and adult situations.) Sections might be excerpted for use. Gives a fairly good picture of Josh Gibson’s downfall.