Watch A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story

A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story is a 1977 American made-for-television biographical drama about the life of famed baseball player Lou Gehrig and his wife, Eleanor. The movie stars Blythe Danner as Eleanor and Edward Herrmann as Lou Gehrig, and was directed by field expert Melville Shavelson. The story follows the life of Eleanor and Lou Gehrig, who first met in high school and soon fell in love. The movie opens with Lou's early years, documenting how he became a star athlete at Columbia University, where he was discovered by a scout and went on to play for the New York Yankees. Meanwhile, Eleanor, who was born in San Francisco and raised on the East Coast, is depicted as being headstrong and independent, but passionate about Lou from the beginning.

The movie portrays the beautiful relationship between Lou and Eleanor as they navigate career, family, and life's challenges, always working to support each other through thick and thin. Lou is portrayed as a sensitive and caring husband who puts family first, while also giving his all on the baseball field. His humility, intelligence, and work ethic were admired by all who knew him, but he also had a difficult time dealing with the pressure of fame and the expectations of others. Eleanor, on the other hand, is shown as being fiercely loyal, devoted, and protective of Lou, managing his career and health, and working tirelessly to support his dreams.

A key challenge in the movie is Lou's struggle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a debilitating disease that eventually left him paralyzed and took his life. The movie delves into this difficult period in Lou's life, including the way he and Eleanor dealt with the challenges of his illness, including the way he and the people around him misunderstood the disease.

Throughout the movie, there is a strong emphasis on the life of the Gehrigs and the impact they had on history and the sport of baseball. The movie showcases the greatness of Lou Gehrig as a player, as well as his contributions to scientific research and his bravery in the face of his illness. Eleanor's role as a strong and determined wife and mother is also highlighted, even as she faces the grief and stress of losing Lou.

Overall, A Love Affair: The Eleanor and Lou Gehrig Story is a touching tribute to the life of a legendary player, as well as a portrayal of the strength and grace of the woman who stood by him throughout his life. The performance of Danner and Herrmann is outstanding, bringing to life the nuanced and complex personalities of the Gehrigs, and the movie is engaging and emotional throughout. The movie serves as a fitting tribute to a true American hero and his wife, who together demonstrate the power of love and loyalty.