One of the most moving stories in the annals of sports is presented in this true drama documenting the love affair of baseball immortal Lou Gehrig and his wife Eleanor. Their romance spans the time period from his days of glory with Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees to his unsuccessful battle with an incurable disease. As the story begins, the talented but shy Gehrig is already a popular Yankee slugger when he meets the outgoing Eleanor. Their romance begins hesitantly, but blossoms as they exchange letters while Gehrig is on the road with the team. However, Gehrig's possessive mother becomes a formidable obstacle, first to their marriage and later to their happiness. But their love for one another proves triumphant. In the midst of their happiness, when Gehrig is at the peak of his career, he learns that he is suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The courage and dignity exhibited by the Gehrigs during this crisis make this a powerful, memorable film.
Acting
Edward Herrmann captures Gehrig's gentle strength devastatingly.
Writing
Letter exchanges that make modern texting look pathetic.
Costume
Depression-era Yankees never looked this sharp.
Director
Fielder Cook
Blythe Danner
Eleanor Gehrig
Edward Herrmann
Lou Gehrig
Gerald S. O'Loughlin
Joe McCarthy
Ramon Bieri
Babe Ruth
Jane Wyatt
Eleanor's Mother
Patricia Neal
Mrs. Gehrig
Georgia Engel
Claire Ruth
Michael Lerner
Dr. Canlan
David Ogden Stiers
Dr. Charles Mayo
Gail Strickland
Dorothy
Valerie Curtin
Kitty McHie
Lainie Kazan
Sophie Tucker
James Luisi
Lazzeri
Joe E. Tata
Gomez
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Blythe Danner and Edward Herrmann reunited decades later as in-laws in 'The Gilmore Girls'—full circle from screen romance to family drama.
This TV movie predates 'Field of Dreams' by eleven years as American television's first serious attempt to treat baseball mythology with literary weight rather than hagiography.
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