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
taglines trailers and videos posters photo 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:
You should see this film 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: 
29% since last week
why?
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
This movie was the first since 1979 to be allowed to film on Harvard's campus. moreGoofs:
Continuity: When Henry Lowe comes home drunk after viewing the lynching, he and James Farmer Jr struggle. The lamp constantly changes between upright and knocked over. moreQuotes:
Samantha: [after James protests his inability to debate with Samantha or Henry] James, you're the best researcher I've ever seen. We couldn't do this without you.James Farmer Jr.: [angrily] Oh, there's PLENTY you do without me!
more
Soundtrack:
I Ain't Got Nowhere to Travel 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 |
I 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.