As a benefit for the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and the Kansas City Sports Commission, the movie "42" was shown on Thursday night at the AMC theaters on Barry Road. The chilly temperatures didn't stop those who gathered near the red carpet to get a glimpse of an A-list actor.
Just when actor Andre Holland, who played sportswriter Wendell Holland, started talking about the film, the most anticipated moment had arrived.
"Sounds like Harrison (Ford) is here," laughed Holland, when he heard the screams.
Indeed iconic film star Harrison Ford was on the scene. He played Branch Rickey, the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers who signed Jackie Robinson to break the color barrier in Major League Baseball.
Ford posed for pictures with Kansas City dignitaries, former players from the Negro Leagues and the film's co-stars. Also included was the film's producer, Thomas Tull.
"Thank you, everybody, for coming!" Tull told the crowd. "This is the most important movie we'll ever make."
After Thursday night's sold-out event, the film opens across the nation in theaters today.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=9d8h6OrPJ5A
