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The Great Debaters (2007) 7.6
Ratings:
7.6/10 from 41,988 users
Metascore: 65/100
Reviews: 113 user | 112 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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Edit
Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Denzel Washington | ... | ||
| Nate Parker | ... |
Henry Lowe
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| Jurnee Smollett-Bell | ... |
Samantha Booke
(as Jurnee Smollett)
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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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Edit
Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
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>
Taglines:
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:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
25 December 2007 (Canada) See more »Also Known As:
Le grand débat See more »Box Office
Budget:
$15,000,000 (estimated)Opening Weekend:
$3,604,000 (USA) (21 December 2007)Gross:
$30,226,144 (USA) (11 April 2008)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
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IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Performed by Sharon Jones, Alvin Youngblood Hart (as Alvin 'Youngblood' Hart) with Billy Rivers & The Angelic Voices of Faith
Produced by G. Marq Roswell
Written by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Courtesy of The Weinstein Co.
Arranged by Sharon Jones, G. Marq Roswell, Kristin Wilkinson, Larry Paxton,
David Huntsinger & Bonnie Huntsinger
See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
This movie was the first since 1979 to be allowed to film on Harvard's campus. See more »Goofs
When Samantha is participating in her first debate at Oklahoma City, she mentions World War I in her argument. In 1935, this war would have been referred to as the "Great War", since a World War II had not yet occurred. See more »Quotes
Samantha: The state is currently spending five times more for the education for a white child than it is fitting to educate a colored child. That means better textbooks for that child than for that child. I say that's a shame, but my opponent says today is not the day for whites and coloreds to go to the same college. To share the same campus. To walk into the same classroom. Well, would you kindly tell me when that day is gonna come? Is it going to come tomorrow? Is it going to come next week? In a ...See more »
Soundtracks
Up Above My Head I Hear Music in the AirPerformed by Sharon Jones, Alvin Youngblood Hart (as Alvin 'Youngblood' Hart) with Billy Rivers & The Angelic Voices of Faith
Produced by G. Marq Roswell
Written by Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Courtesy of The Weinstein Co.
Arranged by Sharon Jones, G. Marq Roswell, Kristin Wilkinson, Larry Paxton,
David Huntsinger & Bonnie Huntsinger
See more »
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!