Gary Cooper plays the role of the legendary Yankee Lou Gehrig in this timeless biopic. The film traces Gehrig's journey from childhood to his death two years before its release. Lou Gehrig was famously nicknamed the 'Lion Horse' for never missing a baseball game in 16 years, setting a streak of playing 2,130 consecutive games that stood for over 6 decades. Several of his other records still stand to this day. Beyond baseball, he was a humble gentleman who embraced life with joy. Everyone knows he got ALS/MND, which was later given another name, Lou Gehrig's disease, after him.
Cooper, who is known for his western/cowboy action roles, was outside his comfort zone here. However, his acting is so good that you forget he is acting. Teresa Wright is incredible in her role as Gehrig's wife, Eleanor, staying by his side until the end. To stay true to Gehrig's life, the filmmakers previewed the film to the real Mrs. Gehrig months before its release, giving her the power to make any changes or edits for inaccuracy. Mrs. Gehrig said it was an accurate recreation and requested no changes. The film leaves you shaken by a recreation of his famous "I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth" farewell speech in his last public appearance.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Even if you don't like baseball. I don't watch baseball, but this film is about much more than baseball. It's a story about life, filled with joy, happiness, and warmth. The ending is heartbreaking.
Review by HSBlockedParent2024-01-03T23:44:57Z
Gary Cooper plays the role of the legendary Yankee Lou Gehrig in this timeless biopic. The film traces Gehrig's journey from childhood to his death two years before its release. Lou Gehrig was famously nicknamed the 'Lion Horse' for never missing a baseball game in 16 years, setting a streak of playing 2,130 consecutive games that stood for over 6 decades. Several of his other records still stand to this day. Beyond baseball, he was a humble gentleman who embraced life with joy. Everyone knows he got ALS/MND, which was later given another name, Lou Gehrig's disease, after him.
Cooper, who is known for his western/cowboy action roles, was outside his comfort zone here. However, his acting is so good that you forget he is acting. Teresa Wright is incredible in her role as Gehrig's wife, Eleanor, staying by his side until the end. To stay true to Gehrig's life, the filmmakers previewed the film to the real Mrs. Gehrig months before its release, giving her the power to make any changes or edits for inaccuracy. Mrs. Gehrig said it was an accurate recreation and requested no changes. The film leaves you shaken by a recreation of his famous "I am the luckiest man on the face of the earth" farewell speech in his last public appearance.
Would I recommend it? Yes. Even if you don't like baseball. I don't watch baseball, but this film is about much more than baseball. It's a story about life, filled with joy, happiness, and warmth. The ending is heartbreaking.