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The Jesse Owens Story

  • TV Movie
  • 19841984
  • 2h 54m
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
234
YOUR RATING
  • Cast & crew
  • User reviews
  • Trivia
  • IMDbPro
The Jesse Owens Story (1984)
  • Biography
  • Drama
  • History
A biopic of the four-time Olympic gold medallist Jesse Owens.A biopic of the four-time Olympic gold medallist Jesse Owens.A biopic of the four-time Olympic gold medallist Jesse Owens.
IMDb RATING
7.1/10
234
YOUR RATING
  • Director
    • Richard Irving
  • Writer
    • Harold Gast
  • Stars
    • Dorian Harewood
    • Dan Ammerman
    • Bob Banks
Top credits
  • Director
    • Richard Irving
  • Writer
    • Harold Gast
  • Stars
    • Dorian Harewood
    • Dan Ammerman
    • Bob Banks
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 5User reviews
  • See production, box office & company info
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Won 1 Primetime Emmy
      • 1 win & 2 nominations total

    Photos

    The Jesse Owens Story (1984)
    The Jesse Owens Story (1984)
    Add photo

    Top cast

    Edit
    Dorian Harewood
    Dorian Harewood
    • Jesse Owensas Jesse Owens
    Dan Ammerman
    Dan Ammerman
    • Coach Robertsonas Coach Robertson
    Bob Banks
    Bob Banks
    • Henry Owensas Henry Owens
    Tom Bosley
    Tom Bosley
    • Jimmy Hoffaas Jimmy Hoffa
    Johnny Brink
    • Referieas Referie
    Georg Stanford Brown
    Georg Stanford Brown
    • Lew Gilbertas Lew Gilbert
    LeVar Burton
    LeVar Burton
    • Prof. Prestonas Prof. Preston
    Bernard Canepari
    • Attorney Grossfeldas Attorney Grossfeld
    Robert Chidsey
    • Governor Aideas Governor Aide
    Glenn Colerider
    • Prof. Overman - OSUas Prof. Overman - OSU
    Barry Corbin
    Barry Corbin
    • Judgeas Judge
    Ronny Cox
    Ronny Cox
    • Larry Snyder - Coachas Larry Snyder - Coach
    Chris Douridas
    Chris Douridas
    • Jeromeas Jerome
    Norman Fell
    Norman Fell
    • Marty Forkinsas Marty Forkins
    Tom Fulton
    • President OSUas President OSU
    Lynn Hamilton
    Lynn Hamilton
    • Mamma Solomonas Mamma Solomon
    Robert Hibbard
    • Police Lieutenantas Police Lieutenant
    George Kennedy
    George Kennedy
    • Charles 'Charley' Rileyas Charles 'Charley' Riley
    • Director
      • Richard Irving
    • Writer
      • Harold Gast
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
    • All cast & crew

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • 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
    Top 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.
    helpful•6
    0
    • pavanratnaker
    • Jun 30, 2012

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • July 9, 1984 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Jesse Owens története
    • Filming locations
      • Columbus, Ohio, USA
    • Production companies
      • Harve Bennett Productions
      • Paramount Television
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 54 minutes
    • Color
      • Black and White
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Mono
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.33 : 1

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