Time Warner Inc. and the Smithsonian Welcome Chadwick Boseman, Star of the Film “42”

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Time Warner Inc. and Smithsonian's National Museum of American History will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day by hosting a special screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ new film “42.” The screening will be held at the Warner Bros. Theatre on Monday, April 15, in Washington, DC. “42,” the true story of American legend Jackie Robinson, opens nationwide on Friday, April 12, 2013.

Actor Chadwick Boseman, who portrays Jackie Robinson in the film, will join National Museum of American History Director John Gray and Curator Eric Jentsch to introduce the film and present several objects from the Smithsonian collection that relate to Jackie Robinson. The pieces include a signed baseball, a program with Robinson on the cover and an original trading card.

After the movie, Mr. Boseman will participate in an onstage interview session with Lonny Bunch, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Photos from the event will be available via wire service.

About “42”

Academy Award^® winner Brian Helgeland (“L.A. Confidential”) wrote and directed the drama “42,” starring Chadwick Boseman (“The Express”) and Oscar^® nominee Harrison Ford (“Witness”).

Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. “42” tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and trailblazing Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball.

In 1947, Branch Rickey put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson to the Brooklyn Dodgers, breaking Major League Baseball’s infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and other players. Facing blatant racism from every side, even his own team, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey’s hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

In 1997, Major League Baseball retired the number 42 for all teams, making it the first number in sports to be universally retired. The only exception is every year on April 15^th—Jackie Robinson Day—commemorating the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. On that day alone, players from every team proudly wear the number 42 to honor the man who altered the course of history.

Rounding out the main cast of “42” are Nicole Beharie as Rachel Robinson, Christopher Meloni as Leo Durocher, Andre Holland as Wendell Smith, Lucas Black as Pee Wee Reese, Hamish Linklater as Ralph Branca, and Ryan Merriman as Dixie Walker.

The film is produced by Thomas Tull, with Dick Cook, Jon Jashni and Jason Clark serving as executive producers, and Darryl Pryor and Jillian Zaks co-producing.

Helgeland's behind-the-scenes collaborators included Oscar^®-nominated director of photography Don Burgess (“Forrest Gump”), production designer Richard Hoover, costume designer Caroline Harris, and editors Kevin Stitt and Peter McNulty. The music is composed by Oscar^® nominee Mark Isham (“A River Runs Through It”).

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures present, a Legendary Pictures Production, a Brian Helgeland film, “42.” Slated for release April 12, 2013, the film will open in time to commemorate the 66th anniversary of Jackie Robinson Day—April 15, the date of his first game as a Brooklyn Dodger. This film has been rated PG-13 for thematic elements, including language.

Watch the trailer at www.42movie.com.

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