A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story
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.
Cast
Blythe Danner
as Eleanor Gehrig
Edward Herrmann
as Lou Gehrig
Gerald S. O'Loughlin
as Joe McCarthy
Ramon Bieri
as Babe Ruth
Jane Wyatt
as Eleanor's Mother
Patricia Neal
as Mrs. Gehrig
Georgia Engel
as Claire Ruth
Michael Lerner
as Dr. Canlan
David Ogden Stiers
as Dr. Charles Mayo
Gail Strickland
as Dorothy
