A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

NR 1978 · 96 min · ★ 9.5 · Drama, TV Movie

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.

Directed by Fielder Cook

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Cast

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
Jennifer Penney Jennifer

Make it a double feature

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A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

Family Reunion

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