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The Great Debaters (2007)
7.5
Ratings: 7.5/10 from 23,503 users
Metascore:
65/100
Reviews: 103 user | 108 critic | 32 from Metacritic.com 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. Director:Denzel Washington |
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126 min - 
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Nominated for Golden Globe.
Another
8 wins
&
8 nominations
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Denzel Washington | ... | ||
| Nate Parker | ... |
Henry Lowe
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| Jurnee Smollett | ... |
Samantha Booke
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| Denzel Whitaker | ... |
James Farmer Jr.
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| Jermaine Williams | ... |
Hamilton Burgess
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| Forest Whitaker | ... |
Dr. James Farmer Sr.
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| Gina Ravera | ... |
Ruth Tolson
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| John Heard | ... |
Sheriff Dozier
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| Kimberly Elise | ... |
Pearl Farmer
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Devyn A. Tyler | ... |
Helen Farmer
(as Devyn Tyler)
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| Trenton McClain Boyd | ... |
Nathaniel Farmer
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Ritchie Montgomery | ... |
Deputy
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| Jackson Walker | ... |
Pig Owner
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| Tim Parati | ... |
Pig Farmer
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| Robert X. Golphin | ... |
Dunbar Reed
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Storyline
Marshall, Texas, described by James Farmer, Jr. as "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which includes a female student and a very young James Farmer, is tested in a crucible heated by Jim Crow, sexism, a lynch mob, an arrest and near riot, a love affair, jealousy, and a national radio audience. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Plot Summary | Add SynopsisTaglines:
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality See all certifications »Parents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
(USA) See more »Also Known As:
Debate Pela Liberdade See more »Box Office
Budget:
$15,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$3,604,000 (USA) (23 December 2007) (1164 Screens)Gross:
$30,226,144 (USA) (13 April 2008)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Melvin B. Tolson: [noticing the broken seal] Hmm, looks like someone already opened it.
Ruth Tolson: [smiling mischievously] Not me.
See more »
Performed by Charlie 'Papa' Jackson (as Papa Charlie Jackson)
Written by Charlie 'Papa' Jackson (as Charles Jackson)
Courtesy of Jazzology Records
Analog-to-digital re-mastering courtesy of Old Hat Records See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
On December 19, 2007, Denzel Washington announced a $1 million dollar donation to Wiley College so they could re-establish their debate team. See more »Goofs
Anachronisms: When Prof. Tolson lectures his students about the origin of the word "lynching," he refers to the Willie Lynch Letter or Willie Lynch Speech, which are generally considered modern-day hoaxes. There is no historical or archival record of either before the 1990s, when they first appeared on the Internet. No 1930s professor could have cited them. See more »Quotes
Ruth Tolson: [hands Tolson a letter] Here, this came. Go on, open it.Melvin B. Tolson: [noticing the broken seal] Hmm, looks like someone already opened it.
Ruth Tolson: [smiling mischievously] Not me.
See more »
Soundtracks
"Scoodle Um Skoo"Performed by Charlie 'Papa' Jackson (as Papa Charlie Jackson)
Written by Charlie 'Papa' Jackson (as Charles Jackson)
Courtesy of Jazzology Records
Analog-to-digital re-mastering courtesy of Old Hat Records See more »
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