The Jesse Owens Story

TV Movie
1984
2h 54m

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

253

YOUR RATING

Biography Drama History

This is the compelling story of Jesse Owens, a man who overcame racial barriers to become one of history's greatest Olympic athletes by disproving Adolf Hitler's theory of Aryan athletic sup... Read allThis is the compelling story of Jesse Owens, a man who overcame racial barriers to become one of history's greatest Olympic athletes by disproving Adolf Hitler's theory of Aryan athletic superiority through his success in track and field.This is the compelling story of Jesse Owens, a man who overcame racial barriers to become one of history's greatest Olympic athletes by disproving Adolf Hitler's theory of Aryan athletic superiority through his success in track and field.

See production, box office & company info

IMDb RATING

7.1/10

253

YOUR RATING

5User reviews

See production, box office & company info

See more at IMDbPro

Won 1 Primetime Emmy
- 1 win & 2 nominations total

Photos17

Storyline

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Trivia
Races were shot at Fouts Field at North Texas State (now University of North Texas).

Quotes
[on hearing that Jesse had received $10,000 from an unknown benefactor in 1936]
Lew Gilbert: What is the straight story behind that money, Mr. Owens?
Jesse Owens: You want the truth? I was paid $10,000 to support Alfred M. Landon's campaign againt Franklin D. Roosevelt.
Lew Gilbert: Were you ashamed of that?
Jesse Owens: Some people thought I should be, but I wasn't. Celebrities endorse cigarettes, banks, automobiles. Why was it wrong for me to endorse a Republican? Besides, it wasn't just for the money. I believed Landon would be better for the Black man.
Lew Gilbert: What made you think so?
Jesse Owens: Adolf Hitler made my name a household word when he wouldn't shake hands with me. President Roosevelt didn't shake hands with me, either. Governor Landon did.

Connections
Referenced in Mystery Science Theater 3000: The Beast of Yucca Flats (1995)

User reviews5

Review

Featured review

8/10

Exteremely insightful

Story of Jesse Owens and his struggle against racism during and after the Olympics. Very well made and entertaining to watch. The story is well researched. The videos of the Olympics were especially good. The insight provided by the people around him is what makes the story. The director does a great job of presenting the story to us. I guess the editing. Also highlights the Nazi movement and how it was trying to use the Olympics as a stage to further their agenda. What is also surprising is how the US caved to the demands of the Nazis when it came to fielding their athletes. And what he faced in the US after he successfully represented the country isn't pretty either. A must watch to learn some good historical points.

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