Summary:
Marshall, Texas, described by James Farmer, Jr. as "the last city to surrender after the Civil War," is home to Wiley College, where, in 1935-36, inspired by the Harlem Renaissance and his clandestine work as a union organizer, Professor Melvin Tolson coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which includes a female student and a very young James Farmer, is tested in a crucible heated by Jim Crow, sexism, a lynch mob, an arrest and near riot, a love affair, jealousy, and a national radio audience.
| Runtime: | 126 min |
|---|---|
| Rating: | Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality. |
| Production: | Weinstein Company, The |
| Genres: | Biography, Drama |
| Country: | USA |
| Language: | English |
| Home Release Date: | May 13, 2008 |
| Director | Credit |
|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Director |
| Writer | Credit |
|---|---|
| Jeffrey Porro | Story |
| Robert Eisele | Story |
| Tony Scherman | Inspired By The American Legacy Article |
| Principal Cast | Credit |
|---|---|
| Denzel Washington | Melvin B. Tolson |
| Forest Whitaker | Dr. James Farmer Sr. |
| Kimberly Elise | Pearl Farmer |
| Cast | Credit |
|---|---|
| Denzel Whitaker | James Farmer Jr. |
| Devyn A. Tyler | Helen Farmer |
| Gina Ravera | Ruth Tolson |
| Jackson Walker | Pig Owner |
| Jermaine Williams | Hamilton Burgess |
| John Heard | Sheriff Dozier |
| Jurnee Smollett | Samantha Booke |
| Nate Parker | Henry Lowe |
| Ritchie Montgomery | Deputy |
| Robert X. Golphin | Dunbar Reed |
| Tim Parati | Pig Farmer |
| Trenton McClain Boyd | Nathaniel Farmer |
| Producer | Credit |
|---|---|
| Bob Weinstein | Executive Producer |
| David Crockett | Executive Producer |
| Harvey Weinstein | Executive Producer |
| Joe Roth | Producer |
| Kate Forte | Producer |
| Melody Fowler | Associate Producer: Harpo Films |
| Molly Allen | Co-Producer |
| Oprah Winfrey | Producer |
| Todd Black | Producer |
| Valeria Scoon | Associate Producer: Harpo Films |
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