the great debaters
- Release Date
- December 27, 2007
- Director
- Denzel Washington
- Cast
- Denzel Washington , Nate Parker , Jurnee Smollett-Bell , Denzel Whitaker , Jermaine Williams , Forest Whitaker
- Runtime
- 126
- Main Genre
- Biography
- Writers
- Robert Eisele , Jeffrey Porro , Tony Scherman
- Tagline
- When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.
Summary
Washington stars and also directs the 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. Set against the backdrop of the Jim Crow South and inspired by a true story, "The Great Debaters" chronicles the journey of a brilliant but volatile coach (Denzel Washington) who uses the power of words to shape a group of underdog students from a small, modest black college in East Texas into an elite debate team while challenging the social mores of the time, culminating with a groundbreaking invitation to debate Harvard's championship team.
latest
The Marriage Counselor Starts Production
Jurnee Smollett stars as a relationship expert who strikes up an affair in Tyler Perry's latest drama for Lionsgate.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Blood Done Sign My Name Cast Interviews
Actors Rick Schroder & Nate Parker, along with Civil Rights activist Dr. Ben Chavis, discuss the new film based on real-life events.
Isaiah Washington Signs on for Patriots
The former Grey's Anatomy star books his first feature since leaving the show.
Jeb Stuart and Nate Parker Sign on to Blood Done Sign My Name
The writer/director and star will take on this true-story adaptation.
The Great Debaters Brings the Drama to DVD on May 13th
Here are the details on this Denzel Washington true-story adaptation.
EXCLUSIVE VIDEO: Watch a Clip from The Great Debaters!
We have a glimpse into the new Denzel Washington film.
Box Office Beat Down: Book of Secrets Reveals a $35 Million Secret!
Alvin and the Chipmunks continues to impress with $30 million.
Denzel Washington and The Great Debaters
The director gathers his cast around for a good old fashion debate.
65th Annual Golden Globe Nominations!
Here's your complete list of nominees.
Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe Dominate in American Gangster
The pair radiate star power in Ridley Scott's epic crime drama
Forest Whitaker Is One of The Great Debaters
Joins Denzel Washington in the true story drama; Oprah Winfrey is prouducing.
Denzel Washington to Direct and Star in The Great Debaters
A period drama based on the true story of Mel Tolson.
Denzel Washington set to direct The Great Debaters and Brothers in Arms:
...the actor steps into the director's chair