Dust hangs heavy in the Texas air of 1935, a tangible manifestation of the hardship clinging to the land. Within the modest halls of Wiley College, professor Melvin B. Tolson, a man brimming with restless intellect and quiet defiance, ignites a fire in his students. He sees potential where others see only limitations, recruiting Henry Lowe, a charismatic but troubled intellectual, and the fiercely independent Samantha Booke, the debate team’s first female member. James Farmer Jr., a precocious fourteen-year-old, watches with wide eyes, absorbing every word, every argument. As Tolson molds these students into formidable debaters, they confront not only academic rivals but the deep-seated prejudice of a segregated nation, challenging the very foundations of a society that seeks to silence their voices while his wife Ruth Tolson supports his work at home, battling her own adversities and finding solace in his passion.
Movie Overview
| Title | The Great Debaters |
|---|---|
| Release Date | 2007-12-25 |
| Runtime | 126 minutes |
| Genre | Drama |
Movie Cast
| Name | Character |
|---|---|
| Denzel Whitaker | James Farmer Jr. |
| Denzel Washington | Melvin B. Tolson |
| Nate Parker | Henry Lowe |
| Jurnee Smollett | Samantha Booke |
| Forest Whitaker | Dr. James Farmer Sr. |
| Kimberly Elise | Pearl Farmer |
| Jermaine Williams | Hamilton Burgess |
| Gina Ravera | Ruth Tolson |
| John Heard | Sheriff Dozier |
| Devyn A. Tyler | Helen Farmer |
| Trenton McClain Boyd | Nathaniel Farmer |
| Ritchie Montgomery | Deputy |
| Jackson Walker | Pig Owner |
| Tim Parati | Pig Farmer |
| Robert X. Golphin | Dunbar Reed |
| Justice Leak | Harland Osbourne |
| Glen Powell | Harvard Debater #1 |
| Brad Watkins | Harvard Debater #2 |
| Brian Smiar | Harvard Dean |
| Damien Leake | Wilson |
| Voltaire Sterling | Paul Quinn Debater #1 |
| Stephen Rider | Paul Quinn Debater #2 |
| Gordon Danniels | Paul Quinn Debate Judge |
| Donny Boaz | Oklahoma City College Debater #1 |
| Samuel Elliott Whisnant | Oklahoma City College Debater #2 |
| Bonnie Johnson | Dr. Jennings |
| Charissa Allen | Benita |
| Michael Beasley | Trudell |
| Gary Mathis | Enormous Man |
| George Wilson | Samuel |
| Fahnlohnee R. Harris | Clementine |
| Harold Evans | William Taylor |
| J.D. Evermore | Captain Wainwright |
| Sharon Jones | Lila |
| Kelvin Payton | Joseph |
| Southey Blanton | White Labor Organizer |
| Michael Mattison | White Sharecropper #1 |
| Jeff Braun | White Sharecropper #2 |
| Milton R. Gipson | Prairie View Professor |
| Frank Ridley | Security Guard |
| Jeremiah Kissel | Radio Announcer at Harvard Debate |
| Jack Radosta | White Man at Lynching |
| Alvin Youngblood Hart | Juke Joint Musician #1 |
| Dom Flemons | Juke Joint Musician #2 |
| Justin Robinson | Juke Joint Musician #3 |
| Rhiannon Giddens | Juke Joint Musician #4 |
| Ahmad Powell | Fisk Professor |
| Marcus Lyle Brown | Howard Debater #1 |
| Gary Mattis | Enormous Man |
Storyline
In the racially charged landscape of 1935 Texas, Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at the historically black Wiley College, clandestinely orchestrates a debate team, nurturing their intellect and challenging the prevailing societal norms. Tolson, himself a figure of controversy due to his socialist leanings and involvement with the sharecroppers union, handpicks exceptional students, including the ambitious Henry Lowe, the quick-witted Samantha Booke, and the eager, though initially hesitant, James Farmer Jr. Together, they embark on a grueling journey of intellectual and emotional growth, dissecting complex arguments on race, equality, and justice while confronting the ever-present dangers of the Jim Crow South. James Farmer Sr., a respected theologian and father to James Jr., grapples with his son’s evolving radicalism and Tolson’s controversial methods, creating familial tension amidst the larger social unrest. As the Wiley College debate team gains recognition, defeating other black colleges with ease, their sights are set on the ultimate challenge: a debate against the prestigious, all-white Harvard University. This pursuit of intellectual parity becomes a symbol of hope and resilience for the African American community, but also invites increased scrutiny and threats from those determined to maintain the status quo, culminating in a high-stakes debate that transcends the boundaries of academia and ignites a spark for change in a nation teetering on the edge of social upheaval.
Details
In the racially charged landscape of 1935 Texas, “The Great Debaters” tells the inspiring true story of Melvin B. Tolson, portrayed by Denzel Washington, a professor at Wiley College, a small, historically Black institution. Tolson, a brilliant and fiercely determined man, defies the norms of the time by forming a debate team and challenging the prevailing segregation. He meticulously hones the raw talent of his students, instilling in them not only the art of persuasive rhetoric but also the courage to confront injustice. Among his students are James Farmer Jr., played by Denzel Whitaker, a precocious and intelligent young man grappling with the complexities of race relations; Henry Lowe, brought to life by Nate Parker, a charismatic but troubled soul wrestling with personal demons; and Samantha Booke, portrayed by Jurnee Smollett, the first female member of the team who breaks barriers with her intellect and determination. As the Wiley College debate team rises through the ranks, they face formidable opponents, battling not only for victory but also for the right to be heard and respected. The team’s journey culminates in a groundbreaking invitation to debate the prestigious Harvard University, forcing them to confront the elite echelons of American society and prove the power of their voices on a national stage. Woven into the narrative are the struggles of Dr. James Farmer Sr., played by Forest Whitaker, a respected theologian and father to James Jr., as he grapples with his own beliefs and the realities of the Jim Crow South, highlighting the personal toll of living under systemic oppression. “The Great Debaters” is a powerful drama that explores themes of racial equality, social justice, and the transformative power of education and the spoken word in the face of adversity.
FAQs
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What is the movie “The Great Debaters” about?
“The Great Debaters” tells the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a debate team coach who transforms a group of African-American college students into a powerhouse debate team in the 1930s, ultimately challenging the Harvard elite.
Who directed “The Great Debaters”?
Denzel Washington directed “The Great Debaters”.
Who are the main actors in “The Great Debaters”?
The main actors include Denzel Washington, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Forest Whitaker and Denzel Whitaker.
When was “The Great Debaters” released?
“The Great Debaters” was released on December 25, 2007.
What genre is “The Great Debaters”?
“The Great Debaters” is a drama film.
What is the runtime of “The Great Debaters”?
The runtime of “The Great Debaters” is 126 minutes.
What was the budget for “The Great Debaters”?
The budget for “The Great Debaters” was 15 million USD.
What was the revenue generated by “The Great Debaters”?
“The Great Debaters” generated a revenue of 30.2 million USD.
Is “The Great Debaters” based on a true story?
Yes, “The Great Debaters” is based on the true story of the Wiley College debate team.
What is the tagline for “The Great Debaters”?
The tagline is “When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.”
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