SHOP GREAT...
IMDb >
The Great Debaters (2007)
![[Add to My Movies]](http://i.media-imdb.com/images//tn15/button_addtomymovies.gif){kind=small}
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglinestrailers and videospostersphoto galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsThe Great Debaters (2007)
photos
board
trailer
details
| Photos (see all 70 | slideshow) | Videos (see all 2 videos ) |
          |
  |
Overview
Tagline:
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.Plot:
A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship. full summary | add synopsisAwards:
Nominated for Golden Globe. Another 7 wins & 8 nominations moreUser Comments:
Great Sophomore Film by Denzel as a Director moreCast
(Cast overview, first billed only) | Denzel Washington | ... | Melvin B. Tolson |
 | Nate Parker | ... | Henry Lowe |
 | Jurnee Smollett | ... | Samantha Booke |
 | Denzel Whitaker | ... | James Farmer, Jr. |
 | Jermaine Williams | ... | Hamilton Burgess |
 | Forest Whitaker | ... | Dr. James Farmer, Sr. |
 | Gina Ravera | ... | Ruth Tolson |
 | John Heard | ... | Sheriff Dozier |
 | Kimberly Elise | ... | Pearl Farmer |
 | Devyn A. Tyler | ... | Helen Farmer (as Devyn Tyler) |
 | Trenton McClain Boyd | ... | Nathaniel Farmer |
 | Ritchie Montgomery | ... | Deputy |
 | Jackson Walker | ... | Pig Owner |
 | Tim Parati | ... | Pig Farmer |
 | Robert X. Golphin | ... | Dunbar Reed |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG-13 for depiction of strong thematic material including violence and disturbing images, and for language and brief sexuality.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
126 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColor:
Color (Technicolor)Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreMOVIEmeter: 
5% since last week
why?
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
The diploma hanging in Dr. James Farmer's study is an authentic copy provided to the art department by Boston University archivist Kara Jackman. moreGoofs:
Factual errors: The 1935 Wiley College debate team did not take on Harvard; they actually debated USC. According to a Denzel Washington interview, some artistic license was taken since Harvard had a better reputation. moreQuotes:
Melvin B. Tolson: We'll be one of the first Negro colleges to ever debate a white college. If we beat them, we beat ths best. moreSoundtrack:
Two Wings moreFAQ
What is the name of the marshland town in Texas where the roadhouse was?more
more
Message Boards
Discuss this title with other users on IMDb message board for The Great Debaters (2007) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| The Nanny Diaries | Premonition | Gandhi | The Lone Ranger Rides Again | Bee Season |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Drama section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |
Two words perfectly sum up this movie - inspirational and uplifting. I have not seen Antwone Fisher, but I will be sure to check it out after seeing this.
Before watching this, I had never even heard about Wiley College or what it did in the '30s, so not only is it great entertainment but it is also educational. I don't know how closely the movie follows the actual events so I can't point out the flaws, but it doesn't matter because the movie is brilliant and moving. This is an underdog movie and you'll be rooting for the Wiley College team throughout the movie. The acting is marvelous by all the actors, but recognition has to be given to the three stars that portray the debaters, Denzel Washington, and Forest Whitaker. Not only is Denzel great as an actor, he is even better as a director. As other reviewers have said, out of all the actors Denzel Whitaker is the star. His portrayal of James Farmer, Jr. is outstanding and this role will certainly further his acting career. Forest Whitaker doesn't have a huge role to play, but he performs his parts beautifully (for example the hog and the sheriff scenes).
Overall this is a very inspirational and uplifting movie. I wouldn't be surprised if it gets a few Oscar nods.
9/10