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.
Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Career team record @ Syracuse 1959 11-0 1960 7-2 1961 8-3.
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Goofs
Continuity:
When Ernie first sees the stadium at his college, the sky is filled with cumulus (fair weather) clouds. By the time he gets there, the sky is nearly cloudless, and much duller; obviously the scene was shot on a different day.
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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. See more »
"Just A Little Bit"
Written by Ralph Bass, Piney Brown, John Thornton, Earl Washington Performed by Rosco Gordon Courtesy of Vee-Jay Ltd. Partnership
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