A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

9.0
19781h 36m

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.

Production

Logo for NBC

Cast

Photo of Blythe Danner

Blythe Danner

Eleanor Gehrig

Photo of Edward Herrmann

Edward Herrmann

Lou Gehrig

Photo of Ramon Bieri

Ramon Bieri

Babe Ruth

Photo of Jane Wyatt

Jane Wyatt

Eleanor's Mother

Photo of Patricia Neal

Patricia Neal

Mrs. Gehrig

Photo of Georgia Engel

Georgia Engel

Claire Ruth

Photo of Michael Lerner

Michael Lerner

Dr. Canlan

Photo of David Ogden Stiers

David Ogden Stiers

Dr. Charles Mayo

Photo of Valerie Curtin

Valerie Curtin

Kitty McHie

Photo of Lainie Kazan

Lainie Kazan

Sophie Tucker

Photo of Frederic Downs

Frederic Downs

Papa Gehrig

Photo of Wynn Irwin

Wynn Irwin

Barrows

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