The Express (2008)

A drama based on the life of college football hero Ernie Davis, the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.

Director:

Gary Fleder

Writers:

Charles Leavitt, Robert Gallagher (book)

Stars:

Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Darrin Dewitt Henson

1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rob Brown	...	Ernie Davis
Dennis Quaid	...	Ben Schwartzwalder
Darrin Dewitt Henson	...	Jim Brown
Omar Benson Miller	...	Jack Buckley
Nelsan Ellis	...	Will Davis, Jr.
Charles S. Dutton	...	Willie 'Pops' Davis
Justin Martin	...	Young Ernie
Justin Jones	...	Young Will
Nicole Beharie	...	Sarah Ward
Aunjanue Ellis	...	Marie Davis
Elizabeth Shivers	...	Elizabeth Davis
Clancy Brown	...	Roy Simmons
Danny McCarthy	...	Bill Bell
Regina Hoyles	...	Sister
Chelcie Ross	...	Lew Andreas

Storyline

This biopic focuses on the relationship of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), a gifted African-American athlete, and his coach from 1958 to 1962 at Syracuse University, Ben Schwartzwalder (1909-1993). Schwartzwalder recruits Davis with the help of All-American running back, Jim Brown. The civil rights movement is gaining steam; Davis experiences prejudice on campus, in town, and on the field, sometimes from teammates. How he handles it and how he challenges Schwartzwalder to stand up for his players provide a counterpoint to several great seasons that lead first to a national championship and then to the Heismann Trophy.

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Plot Keywords:

african american | syracuse university | coach | 1940s | football movie | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Sport

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA Germany

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 October 2008 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Express: The Ernie Davis Story

Filming Locations:

Berwyn, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$40,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$4,562,675 (USA) (10 October 2008)

Gross:

$9,589,875 (USA) (31 October 2008)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Davis Entertainment, IDEA Filmproduktions, Relativity Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

130 min

Sound Mix:

SDDS DTS Dolby Digital

Color:

Color (Technicolor) Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Career team record @ Syracuse 1959 11-0 1960 7-2 1961 8-3.

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Goofs

When Jim Brown was first introduced in the movie the scene showed him receiving his Cleveland Browns jersey from Art Modell in 1957. Art Modell didn't buy the Cleveland Browns until 1961.

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Quotes

[First Line]
Ernie Davis: 21 straight lines five yards apart. That is a football field. But there are other lines you don'T see that run deeper and wider. All the way through the country, and aren't part of any game.

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Connections

References Wings of the Hawk (1953)

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Soundtracks

"What'd I Say"
Written by Ray Charles
Performed by Ray Charles
Courtesy of Atlantic Recording Corp.
By Arrangement with Warner Music Group Film & TV Licensing

User Reviews

It has you cheering and clapping as you watch it

The Express was a wonderful sports movie with lots of drama. It had a ton of emotion and great feelings in it. Me watching the movie I felt like a fan. This movie will make you love sports even if you don't. It was inspirational in so many ways. The whole movie keeps you entertained and on the edge of your seat at the end. Each one of the football games were fun and exciting to watch. When their wasn't football in the movie the director found ways to keep the movie good and interesting. This movie had emotion. love, heart, tears, and inspiring moments. Their are many different scenes in this movie that are sad to watch and upsetting for the viewers. The thing that makes it so upsetting for us to watch is the thing they do to blacks in this movie. I think that everyone should see this movie just to see how life was. The life the blacks lived in this movie wasn't good. I think this movie will teach people to respect everyone no matter who it is. This movie was one of the best movies of the year. It was the best sports movie of the year and ever. It will honestly have you on your feet. It was such a great movie and was so inspiring and should be seen by everyone. It was great for kids, teens, adults, and even grandparents. It was so exciting and fun to watch all around. Their weren't any flaws pretty much. The movie has so many different messages that were great. The thing that is mostly the best part of the movie is that Ernie is the most unselfish person on and off the field in this movie. He shows everyone how to be a better person. The coach played by Dennis Quaid did a great job and was a good person and coach as well. The movie was based on a true story also. Overall this is one feel good movie. It is the must see sports movie. Go see it and have a fun time cheering and clapping.