The Great Debaters Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES PLOT 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 coached the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that included the first debate between students from white and Negro colleges and ended with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which included 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.
| Jackson Walker | Garrett |
| Roger Dillingham Jr. | Upscale Traveler |
| Ron Auguste | Hanging Victim |
| Brian D. Evans | Harvard Student |
| Michael Beasley | Trudell |
| Southey Blanton | White Labor Organizer |
| Sean Paul Cormier | Harvard Scholar |
| Trenton McClain Boyd | Nathaniel |
| Marcus Lyle Brown | Howard Debater |
| Antravian D. Carter | Howard Debater #2 |
| Eric Conover | Harvard Faculty |
| J.D. Evermore | Captain Wainwright |
| Denzel Washington |
7.70 out of 10 (6453 votes)
Visitor Reviews
how can you value something you never had?...
posted on 28 Aug 2009A 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..Washington's second effort at directing is a far better achievement than Antwone Fisher. mixing the likes of Dead poets Society and in sorts Missipi Burning, what Washington has done has made an uplifting, if sometimes very emotional drama.some could argue that this is a vanity project for the actor as he does get the most screen time and the big chunks of script that could only be achieved believable by an Oscar winner.but the film is almost stolen from under him by the three titular characters, they are absolutely stunning on screen when they are debating and make what some people perceive to be a boring concept, into something nail biting.Whitaker is good in his role, but it is very short and his character isn't looked to in depth.otherwise this is an excellent drama that has to be seen
RESOLVED: This movie deserves several Oscars.
posted on 12 Aug 2009I went into this film without even knowing more than the title, and I left misty eyed and eager to learn more about this remarkable story. The acting was dead-on, the casting perfect and the cinematography exquisite. Denzel Washington should get an Oscar nod for director, and Denzel Whitaker a nod for supporting actor. Nate Parker and Jimee Smollett also turned in fine performances as the other two on the debate team. Forrest Whitaker was his usual best as the president of Wylie College and father to his son. Of course, ever present is the pernicious evil of bigotry and hate that pervaded the south during that time period and still exists today. Chilling in it's portrayal, the racism is so thick you can smell it.But, despite overwhelming odds, and all naysayers, this story is, not unlike Stand and Deliver, a true success story, where perseverance of mind conquers the unwillingness of the flesh. I highly recommend this movie to all.
Great Movie, Great Director
posted on 10 Aug 2009I had the privilege to be a part of this movie . ( Sheriff Deputy -The Barn Scene - Supporter in the Oklahoma Scene). I was very impressed with all the professionals in the film. Denzel Washington is a not only a fantastic director .but was a real pleasure to work around. He always thought of the the comfort and well being of the principle actors and background actors . I look forward to seeing it myself. This will prove to be a must see film !I also had the pleasure of meeting John Heard and Ritchie Montgomery . Although it was around 3 or 4 in the morning , they were remarkably nice people.
You should see this film
posted on 08 Aug 2009I say this because: 1) The acting is remarkable. Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Nate Parker, Jurnee Smollett, Denzel Whitaker, and Kimberly Elise are all stunningly good 2) The cinematography is very well done and the score is beautifully and uplifting. 3) The story is great. It has multiple underdog themes which when watching, you root so much for the underdog it actually hurts :). These would be: a) the black people in the south in the 1930s b) little Wiley collage (especially when they are vs Harvard) c) the 14 year old boy James P. Farmer Jr. (Denzel Whitaker) who is seemingly incapable at first of debating. Do yourself a favor and see "The Great Debaters". You are going to love it.
The Great Debaters Named Best Inspiring Film of the Year by Reel Inspiration
posted on 04 Aug 2009The Great Debaters is easily the the most inspiring, empowering movie of the year. In fact, I chose it as the number one movie on my "Best Films" list on the Reel Inspiration blog at Blogspot.The Great Debaters, directed by Denzel Washington and produced by Oprah, is Hollywood all the way. It is an empowering underdog tale inspired by the true story of how the debating team from the small African American institution of Wiley College won the 1935 National Debating Championship. Outstanding performances by Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker make the picture.After a hectic montage to introduce the setting, we're in the classroom studying revolutionary ideas from the writers of the Harlem Renaissance with Professor Tolson. Denzel's passionate delivery is reminiscent of Robin William's in "Dead Poets Society. I suspect that Professor Tolson was much more interesting, controversial, and radical than the man presented here. However, it is so moving to hear these important ideas spoken by a African American teacher to African American students at a time when there was still lynching in their part of the country.The film doesn't back down from the racism of the time. In fact, its an ongoing theme. The film asks if the power of words can really make any difference in the face of violent acts of racism.Through his example, Professor Tolson inspires his students to speak up for what is right despite how it might conflict with their personal lives or the dangerous world around them. Debate all you want about it, but don't miss this important story.Jana Segal Reel Inspiration
Ghandi + eloquence vs. lynch law mob mentality
posted on 31 Jul 2009Watching the The Great Debaters gives everyone, white and black, a stark and unforgiving picture of what racial or ethnic oppression and intimidation is all about—and the obscenity of lynch mob rule (aka lynch law) practiced predominantly in the American South into modern times—this short article states the last publicly known lynching occurred in 1969. From the several references I've read, the origin of the practice of lynching was not racially specific, but through the 19th century and especially following the Civil War lynch law was most common in the South and disproportionately applied to blacks....For my complete review of this movie and for other movie and book reviews, please visit my site TheCoffeeCoaster.com.Brian Wright Copyright 2008
Your Righeous Mind
posted on 29 Jul 2009Finally, movie made to show the world that you can overcome many obstacles in life by having a brain. I am in high school, and I see so many kids throwing their life away, doing stupid things. A lot of my friends get C's, D's and F's and justify it by saying that nobody cares about your grades if you're not going to college anyway. They don't understand how easy it is to throw your life away. All it takes is one wrong choice. This movie proves that being dumb only hurts you and being stupid isn't cool. Sure, this movie took place in the 30's but it still rings true today. You don't get anywhere being stupid. Our ancestors worked so hard to give us all the opportunities we young people have today. And now we take it for granted because it's always been available for us. This movie takes place in a time where African Americans didn't have many equal opportunities. We take for granted that we can ALL go to school...they couldn't. They lived in a world where it was set up for a black person to lose and a white person to win. And a majority of the whites liked it that way, as portrayed in the film. And it isn't "racist" as some have posted. It is the truth whether you want to believe it. The story of this film is amazing, the acting is impeccable, and it is something that all young people should see. As Tolson said people need to "find, take back, and keep our righteous mind."
Great Sophomore Film by Denzel as a Director
posted on 27 Jul 2009Two 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
Great Debaters- Lots to Discuss Here ***1/2
posted on 25 Jul 2009Terrific story dealing with a small black college in the 1930s whose debate team ultimately defeated Harvard University.The film is a complex one as there are really several different plots occurring here.We have the debate team, racism in the south and dealing with unions all in one film.It has been said that one's best writing comes from your own personal experiences. You can really draw upon that here since your own personal experiences may help you come debate time. This is exactly what occurs in this film and it is done very well.There is an amazing supporting performance by Forest Whitaker as a Ph.D religious fanatic who correctly views education as the way to achieve success in this world. Whitaker depicts a fanatic and is truly phenomenal in this role; he is far better here than in his award winning "The King of Scotland."Denzel Washington, as the instructor and union organizer, is condescending in the role, but he brings the necessary strength in achieving another unusually good performance here.
Why I'm Proud of This Movie
posted on 17 Jul 2009To Date, I have seen this movie, four times; I don't know how many more times I will see it. I do not buy bootleg tapes; when this comes on DVD; I shall most definitely purchase it.It gives me a sense of pride and well being, you see, I've always known we are a lot more then how we are depicted on television and in the movies.All races need to get over judging people by the color of their skin; I would be willing to bet there wouldn't be so much crime. I loved the respect that was shown, being addressed as Mr. or Miss. I don't see the respect much nowadays. I'm 67, years old and I still address my elders as Mr. or Mrs. unless told otherwise. This movie should be seen by all races. One thing for certain is my people pray. I remember the man (Katrina) whose wife told him to save their children, she drowned, he said " God is Good". He just lost his wife of numerous years, but he saved his children and he thanked "God" for that We know if it doesn't kill you; it will make you strong; I'm getting stronger every second. In the film while waiting for the decision; the students are bowed and praying; James Farmer's family, held hands and were praying.
Flagrant Oscar bait but pretty good nonetheless
posted on 11 Jul 2009"The Great Debaters" tells the true story of the debate team at all-black Wiley College in the 1930's. They attracted enough attention in their time to warrant a match against the reigning national champions, which serves as the climax of this film.I should note that the film takes a few liberties with the facts, including switching the final opponents to Harvard instead of USC. Personally, I don't mind these mild inaccuracies since the film generally correlates well with its inspiration, which is an American Legacy article that is worth reading.The story is interesting, though perhaps a little too overtly 'Hollywood' for my tastes. Basically, it's an inspirational story that feels specially tailored towards Academy voters. The fact that the film didn't garner any Oscar nominations is probably due to the difficulty of converting the subject matter into something truly compelling. Not that the film is boring, but I find that the true story (ie. minus the artistic license) is just as satisfying.The cast is solid, including past Oscar winners Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. However, I was most surprised by the unknowns who portrayed the debaters. Judging by their performances here they won't (or at least shouldn't) stay unknown for much longer.I was also pleasantly surprised by Denzel Washington's directorial efforts. I wouldn't say that he equals his acting prowess but he certainly proves that he takes his craft seriously. On the audio side, the movie boasts a score by seven time Oscar nominee James Newton Howard. It complements the visuals nicely and doesn't fall into the trap of being self-consciously stirring.All in all, this is a pretty good effort from Washington and leaves me looking forward to his next stint behind the camera. It's not exactly an edge-of-your-seat experience but it will certainly appeal to those who enjoy a good historically based film with an inspirational tone.
Definitely worth watching
posted on 05 Jul 2009I did not know what to really expect of this movie before I watched it, since I was not familiar with the story at all. It is great and true story somewhat inspiring and dealing with an issue ,in my eyes a very sensitive way, that is tough for anyone to talk about because most people have never experienced these things themselves. However, it is not a funny movie, containing more than just one tragic incidence and a few parts were a little bit over-emotionalized in my eyes.The making of the movie was really good though, and I especially liked the performances of Jurnee Smollet and Denzel Whitaker. I can only recommend watching it and it will not feel like 2hours.Have a good time watching.
10 stars -1 for the Willie Lynch fraud
posted on 03 Jul 2009Terrific film! But, there's no excuse for Denzel Washington repeating the Internet-era fraud about a West Indies slaver, Willie Lynch, being the origin of "lynching." (There may have been, however, another expert in terrorizing slaves, hired by Virginia planters to do just that, after the Nat Turner rebellion.) Revolution-era judge Charles Lynch was the source, with another, later Virginian, Willie Lynch, being an impostor claimant. See the film anyway for all the other, little-known-but-true, amazing, genuinely uplifting history.Here's a quick list of good lines: "You're a heathen, Henry," "Who the hell is he? Oh, he's my husband," "I'm going to cut your head off," "Who do you think you are? Jesse Owens?," "I am the Darker Brother," "What's a professor doing in the middle of the night dressed like a cotton chopper?," "Do well tonight, Junior," "Debate is bloodsport! It's combat!," "I love DH Lawrence," "Sit down Mr. Burgess," "Junior, what is the greatest weakness of man?," "What the hell happened to my hog?," "Would you punch yourself in a fight, Mr. Burgess?," "You're a good dancer," "You ain't got s**t! He ain't got s**t!," "I don't know is not an acceptable answer, Junior," "I can't allow my son to be corrupt," "Hell is where you're headed if you question me again," "I think you're afraid to debate white people," "Jesus was a radical," "Ruth, this is a fine party. I think it's time for some sweet potato pie," "Great news! Great news! Great news!," "Are you threatening me, boy?," "That pig wasn't worth twenty-five dollars. You owe my father some money," "There's n*****s in that car!," "He didn't have to do nothing! In Texas they lynch Negroes!," "It's good tea," "You give Boston my regards, you hear?," "Heellloooo Harvard!," "James, this is high tea. We nibble, we don't devour," "You're beautiful when you sleep," and "Why doesn't he say something?"
Best movie I have seen in a while
posted on 17 Jun 2009I just saw this movie last evening. I was expecting a dry, boring cliché filled movie about rich kids with too much time on their hands. This was an awesome production showing how to trust in God, "You do what you have to do, so you can do what you want to do." The acting by Forest Whitaker was superb. It is not easy for a man to humble himself in front of his family. The action was just enough to keep you excited with history mixed in, in such a way to fool you in to actually learning something when you thought you were just going to be entertained. Wonderful mix of theology and secular world events. I whole heartedly recommend this film especially to middle school students who need to see the vast possibilities as they go through school. I will absolutely purchase this film, and place in my library next to Malcolm X, Martin Luther King and Professor Cornel West.
Get up off the couch and see this movie!
posted on 05 Jun 2009I will admit that I was hesitant to see this film upon discovering its production under Harpo films after the poor quality of their adaptation of Zora Neal Thurston's novel. I was expecting this movie to fall along the lines of The Dead Poet Society or The Emporer's Club, but neither of these films overwhelmed me in such a manner as this one. I cannot express into words the power this film held over me as to render me speechless. The cast was beyond superb, glorious. Denzel Washington's necessity for perfection transformed this true-story adaptation into a piece that will be responsible for conversations all over the nation, at dinner tables, in workplaces, classrooms, and in the hearts of all Americans. Each pondering the magnitude of the actions of men and women such as these who sacrificed all through their actions and examples for the freedoms we enjoy today. This film leaves nothing to be desired and will only uplift and inspire those who are fortunate enough to partake.
It's a shame this one didn't get better exposure...
posted on 01 Jun 2009...at least here on the IMDb. With fewer than 10k votes (with three out of five from overseas users!) and less than 90 user comments so far, it's obvious that "The Great Debaters" failed to make much of an impression on the IMDb demographic despite the lure of the Denzel Washington brand, nor does its box office indicate significant mainstream success, despite the backing of the Oprah Winfrey PR machine. And that's too bad, because "The Great Debaters" is a much better film than most of the fluff that puts butts in seats in theaters nationwide. It has its problems, including an awkward and off-putting title, but "The Great Debaters" tells a story worth hearing, with themes that bear repeating no matter how many times you've already heard them: the importance of human dignity and rights, the innate power of personal responsibility and determination, the value of a good education, among others.It's a well-produced period piece (mid-30s America) that belies its relatively low budget (by Hollywood standards, that is), and a fine sophomore directorial effort from Washington, who if he keeps it up may someday become the black Clint Eastwood. DP collaborator Philippe "Antwone Fisher" Rousselot's camera-work complements Robert "3: The Dale Earnhardt Story" Eisele's earnest script, though I found James Newton Howard and Peter Golub's score a bit too overtly manipulative. I tire of "uplifting" string sections, and much preferred the licensed musical selections, but that's just me. The acting is pretty much beyond reproach, especially from the three young newcomers in the lead roles: Nate "Tunnel Rats" Parker, Denzel "Training Day" Whitaker, and Jurnee "Full House" Smollett all show great promise. Washington is obviously an actor's director; what a pleasure he must be to work with.Upshot, "The Great Debaters" tells a mostly true story with various compromises for narrative effect (e.g. Harvard instead of U.S.C. and the compositing of various characters) along with undoubted melodramatic embellishment for cinematic effect (chases, daydreams, love scenes, etc.), and mostly pulls it off with good style.NB to fx geeks: Greg Nicotero headed the fx team that created the shuddersome corpse for the film's pivotal scene of racist sin and evil. Younger children should probably not be watching this film in spite of its positive thematic appeal; they don't really need such vicarious trauma.
Pulitzer-Prize Winning Screenwriter, Academy Award Winning Director, Academy Award Winning Actors and Editor, Made-For-TV Movie
posted on 26 May 2009The Votometre doesn't show decimals, but really my number rating is 6.9. Today, anyway....I may change my mind tomorrow.Knights of the South Bronx, Akeelah and the Bee, Glory Road- we've seen this movie before, and we've seen the same themes before. A feel-good underdog story with the typical American cinema's portrayal of Blacks centred one-dimensionally on how they are forced to relate to the issue of "race" in a racist and classist society.At least the characters in this film get to display their full humanity and are not reduced to one-note caricatures, centred on their "race". These characters are not stereotypes, but fully realized human beings who have decided that not only education, but intellectualism, is as much their birthright as any American.There are major problems with the script and/or the editing of this film that will hopefully be rectified in the DVD edition. There are several character arcs that have no logical building, just a juxtaposition of problem and solution later in the narrative. Forest Whittaker's humiliation during the pig incident, and his subsequent redemption in his son's eyes when dealing with Denzel in jail- there's dramatic stuff missing in the middle that makes me think that this is a three-hour film. Ophrah has been known to do those, so why not here? We all know Ophrah Winfrey is full of good intentions. But as a film-maker, whether in front of the camera, or behind it, she has a very limited repertoire of themes that inspire her. We all know that the poor lady practices counter-transference in everything she does, but funding a $30 Million psychotherapy session should not be one area of her practice.By fictionalizing a true story (not Harvard), you rob the narrative of its one true virtue- it really happened. And by fictionalizing it, you make it merely product to stand with the other films of identical theme. I don't buy the film-makers claim that by altering the venue from USC to Harvard they are able to show the magnitude of the Wiley team's achievement. Some careful exposition through the film could have easily made USC do quite nicely. No, Harvard is the symbol of the white eastern intellectual elite, of white class and privilege, and that is why the film-makers chose Harvard. I am not sure that this is a legitimate reason for me to complain, though. As the Harvard Chancellor says in introducing the Debaters, Harvard is the school of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and numerous other US Presidents. Harvard IS America: the Debators are knocking at America's door and saying "we coming in 'cause we live here, this is our home".The characters in the film certainly are enamoured with the possibility of being associated with Harvard. The device of the black butler at Harvard is not fully explored, but the choice to include him accentuates the viewers' perceptions of Harvard as a racist institution, and a locus for racial oppression. Part of the problem in North American education (in Canada and the U.S.) is alienation of certain groups by not telling their stories, rendering them 'invisable' to themselves and the wider society. When you fictionalize an important human story, you are essentially saying to everyone that the real history isn't good enough. And it IS! It seems to me that that can be potentially damaging, because you are saying that the real story isn't worth being told. And it IS! Note to Denzel- take the training wheels off, you did "Antoine Fischer", you didn't have to film it twice, and please don't do it a third time. Antoine was a much more self-assured and cinematic work.This film would have worked far better as a stage-play- not surprising since it was written by a Pulitzer-prize winning playwright. The actors do their best to "elevate the material" and are actually the reason why the film is worthwhile to watch and engaging: the actors are uniformly charming and charismatic. It is their feelings and common humanity that I empathize with on screen.This film is set in the Great Depression. This is of little consequence to the main characters of the film. But, Denzel's Communism seems to be a throw-away theme, as are the plight of labourers and share-croppers themselves. "Of Mice and Men", or John Sayles' "Matewan", or even the Coen Brothers' "O Brother, Where Art Thou?" are films that explore these themes with much more authenticity.Social injustice is portrayed in this film as racism, not as the poverty that creates an underclass, regardless of skin colour. In the climatic debating scene, political reaction to racism is the theme, provided by the debaters own experience of witnessing a lynching. Yet, racism has its roots in classism, and economic oppression that could have equally been cited in this movie. It seems to me that Denzel's communist character could have made better use of this avenue of social commentary. But perhaps, being an American film, nobody wants to hold capitalism itself responsible for racial oppression, and therefore, the larger issue. The central characters are middle class, even in a racist society. And it is worth remembering that even in the Depression, the employment rate was 70%. Does civil disobedience have a place in today's society? Or, is that theme used in this film as a precursor to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's? With Barack Obama less than 12 months away from his Inauguration, Stephanie Wilson sitting on Harvard's Board of Governors, and Ophrah the richest woman on the planet, memory of injustice should be memory of fact, and anger at injustice directed towards the present, and focused on eliminating that injustice.
OK story, just not a lot happens
posted on 20 May 2009This movie is about the debate team at Wiley College. It begins with the coach, played by Denzel Washington, picking the students for this year's team. The college is in Texas and it's the 1930s, so racism plays a part in the film. The team goes on a winning streak, and begins to be invited to white schools. The team witnesses a lynching and finally gets invited to a big debate with Harvard.What I didn't like was the topics the debates were on made no sense to me. It was very uninteresting. Also, now that I have read some reviews, it seems like a lot of this movie was fabricated.FINAL VERDICT: I wouldn't recommend it. It just didn't have enough excitement.
A moving story
posted on 08 May 2009I just saw The Great Debaters, and was very moved by it. I realize that the script intentionally contained lines and scenarios intended produce the emotions I felt, but I didn't care, and felt them anyway. The moving parts of the story were based on meaningful conflicts within the characters and within our country. Wiley College was a small college in Texas in the Jim Crow South. The movie dealt with real issues those kids and others in the South, and across the country, had to face. This was of course based on a true story, and didn't stray far from it. Wiley College did face a great debate team and win, but it wasn't Harvard, it was USC, the reigning champions at the time. The following is excerpted from Wikipedia about that debate: "Then film omits one reality: even though they beat the reigning champions, the Great Debaters were not allowed to call themselves victors because they did not belong to the debate society, which did not allow blacks until after World War II."So, as you see, the very prejudice the movie depicts affected even the legitimacy of the outcome of the debate itself, a fact not addressed in the movie.The actors, including of course Denzel Washington and Forrest Whitaker as Wiley professors Tolson and Farmer, as well as the fine young actors who played the young debaters, were excellent, and John Heard does a good job as Professor Tolson's nemesis, Sheriff Dozier. Nate Parker, the young actor who plays the fiery Henry Lowe, will not be an unknown quantity for long.Despite facing and tackling tough issues in our history, and difficult issues faced by the young debaters themselves as they developed their own personal character, this was still a feel good story, which I thoroughly enjoyed watching.
Well-intentioned but formulaic!
posted on 30 Aug 2009'The Great Debaters is inspired by the true-life exploits of the all-black Wiley College debating team in Marshall, Texas in the 1930s. The script follows only the bare outline of the events that actually occurred. The debates themselves and the ideas behind them are a very small part of the picture. Instead we're treated to a series of snippets (or sound bites) with the Wiley team always taking the morally superior position and of course winning. At no time are they asked to show their real skills as debaters and take a position which they ethically and morally oppose. While the true Wiley College debaters of history were certainly admirable for what they achieved, there was no need to put them all on a pedestal by having them best the Harvard Debate team in the film's climax. In reality, Wiley beat USC; by depicting them as beating Harvard, the implication is that somehow they were superstars for beating the best (and hey maybe they were just excellent students who don't need to be mythologized).The main character, Melvin B. Tolson (played by Denzel Washington) is based on the real Wiley College professor who also was a union organizer. In a scene that felt like it was more likely to take place in the 1960s than the 1930s, Tolson heads a secret meeting of black sharecroppers as well as whites intent on organizing against racist farmers. The meeting is broken up by a group of angry whites and Tolson escapes with his life (along with James Farmer Jr., the 14 year old member of his debating team, later to become a famous civil rights leader). The probability of this scene actually having happened in 1930s Texas is low especially the idea that there were progressive whites who would even consider attending a meeting together with poor black sharecroppers. Later, Tolson is arrested for organizing the union meeting. In reality,wouldn't he have been taken away in the middle of the night and dumped in a shallow grave? Or perhaps lynched? Here, the black community wields a lot more power than it actually had in those days, when a group led by James Farmer Sr., the dignified Wiley professor played by Forrest Whittaker, convinces the town's sheriff to release Tolson on bond. We never really find out the outcome of Tolson's arrest (which presumably is a fictional scene) but according to the end credits, he went on to live a distinguished life as an academic and poet. The rest of the movie is taken up with a subplot concerning the romance between the team's only female member, Samantha Booke and the bad-boy character, Henry Lowe (who incurs Samantha's wrath by getting drunk and hanging out with another woman after witnessing a lynching). The aforementioned 14 year old has a crush on Samantha and must overcome his feelings of jealousy before he can best Harvard in the final showdown. The film is not without its powerful moments. The most memorable is when James Farmer Sr. accidentally kills a boar while driving in his car with his family. He's forced to pay compensation to two racist whites by handing over his paycheck and is further humiliated when one of the racists drops the check and makes Farmer bend over and pick it up (it's scenes like this that are far more effective than the typical mob scenes of racist whites on the loose since they show the day-to-day humiliations which blacks had to endure across the country on a daily basis). There is also an actual lynching scene which Tolson and his debaters stumble upon while driving on a darkened road. Despite this, The Great Debaters is a well-intentioned but formulaic project. Yes, it always feels good to be on the winning side but when drama becomes manipulative, art is subsumed by propaganda.