Backdrop for A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story
Poster for A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

(1978)

January 15, 1978• 1h 36m
90%
TMDB Score

Overview

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.

Fielder Cook

Director

Top Billed Cast

BD

Blythe Danner

Eleanor Gehrig

EH

Edward Herrmann

Lou Gehrig

GSO

Gerald S. O'Loughlin

Joe McCarthy

RB

Ramon Bieri

Babe Ruth

JW

Jane Wyatt

Eleanor's Mother

PN

Patricia Neal

Mrs. Gehrig

GE

Georgia Engel

Claire Ruth

ML

Michael Lerner

Dr. Canlan

DOS

David Ogden Stiers

Dr. Charles Mayo

GS

Gail Strickland

Dorothy