Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
James Earl Jones | ... | Jack Jefferson | |
Jane Alexander | ... | Eleanor | |
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Lou Gilbert | ... | Goldie |
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Joel Fluellen | ... | Tick |
Chester Morris | ... | Pop Weaver | |
Robert Webber | ... | Dixon | |
Marlene Warfield | ... | Clara | |
R.G. Armstrong | ... | Cap'n Dan | |
Hal Holbrook | ... | Cameron | |
Beah Richards | ... | Mama Tiny | |
Moses Gunn | ... | Scipio | |
Lloyd Gough | ... | Smitty | |
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George Ebeling | ... | Fred |
Larry Pennell | ... | Brady | |
Roy Glenn | ... | Pastor (as Roy E. Glenn Sr.) |
Boxer Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones) is the world's reigning heavyweight boxing champion. There's just one problem, he is also the first black heavyweight champion, and that bothers a lot of people. Jack's celebration is cut short, as Jack is framed for crossing a state line with Eleanor, his white fiancé (Jane Alexander in her first film role), a violation of the Mann Act. Facing a prison sentence, Jack escapes to Europe, with Eleanor in tow, encountering problems in England, and then France, and eventually landing in Cuba. In Havana, Jack agrees to enter the boxing ring for what might be the bout of his life. Both Jones and Alexander were nominated for Oscars. Written by trivwhiz
I continue to read comments about how this film is about Jack Johnson. That's not true. It's a story inspired by Jack Johnson, who was much more articulate and sophisticated than Jack JEFFERSON, who is the character James Earl Jones plays. Granted, every obstacle put in his path because of the severe level of blatant racism was true to Johnson's life. However, I just want to point out that the real man, in spite of his era, was a more intelligent and cultured individual than the Jefferson character. In spite of this complaint, the performances in this film are absolutely sublime! It deserves to be seen for the dramatic efforts of each performer, especially James Earl Jones. EXCELLENT acting, but not an accurate representation of the man himself.