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The Great Debaters (2007)
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Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
25 December 2007 (USA) moreTagline:
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.Plot:
A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 8 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(18 articles)
Howard & Gooding Join Lucas' Red Tails (From EmpireOnline. 7 April 2009, 1:12 AM, PDT)
Amber Tamblyn Heads To Main Street
(From EmpireOnline. 27 March 2009, 2:22 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Elucidating entertainment moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Denzel Washington | ... | Melvin B. Tolson | |
| Nate Parker | ... | Henry Lowe | |
| Jurnee Smollett | ... | Samantha Booke | |
| Denzel Whitaker | ... | James Farmer Jr. | |
| Jermaine Williams | ... | Hamilton Burgess | |
| Forest Whitaker | ... | Dr. James Farmer Sr. | |
| Gina Ravera | ... | Ruth Tolson | |
| John Heard | ... | Sheriff Dozier | |
| Kimberly Elise | ... | Pearl Farmer | |
| Devyn A. Tyler | ... | Helen Farmer (as Devyn Tyler) | |
| Trenton McClain Boyd | ... | Nathaniel Farmer | |
| Ritchie Montgomery | ... | Deputy | |
| Jackson Walker | ... | Pig Owner | |
| Tim Parati | ... | Pig Farmer | |
| Robert X. Golphin | ... | Dunbar Reed |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
126 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreFun Stuff
Trivia:
On December 19, 2007, Denzel Washington announced a $1 million dollar donation to Wiley College so they could re-establish their debate team. moreGoofs:
Factual errors: On the train, the combine is placed between the coach and the observation car, and the baggage car is in the back. At the time, large pieces of freight, like combines, were put at the front of the train, behind the baggage car. moreQuotes:
James Farmer Jr.: In Texas they lynch Negroes. My teammates and I saw a man strung up by his neck and set on fire. We drove through a lynch mob, pressed our faces against the floorboard. I looked at my teammates. I saw the fear in their eyes and, worse, the shame. What was this Negro's crime that he should be hung without trial in a dark forest filled with fog... moreSoundtrack:
Shortenin' Bread moreFAQ
What is the name of the marshland town in Texas where the roadhouse was?more
more
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THE GREAT DEBATERS is a movie-going treat, with young people exemplifying truth, respect, pride and dignity. In an entertaining way, with some preaching, this movie shows four African-American debaters succeeding in the face of adversity, growing stronger with success AND defeat. Their debates are lively and thought provoking.
However, before, during and after these contests, other serious and complicated issues are revealed. Two of these issues deal with a confrontation on the road between two farmers and a minister, and a lynching in the middle of the night. Both are reflections of the time, unsettling and disturbing to those in the movie and in the audience.
This is not family entertainment, nor is it mindless entertainment. It has no gratuitous sex, but there is a hint of romance. It is fast paced, but the action is verbal not physical. THE GREAT DEBATERS lives up to its name in that it has something for everyone, and not everyone will like it. I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys a quality film that will be debated by all who see it!