Professor Melvin B. Tolson proves that the power of words can be mightier than the sword.
Missing Page of American History
After an impressive directorial debut six years ago with Anton Fisher, Denzel Washington’s current offering, The Great Debaters proves that he’s got more than just acting chops. Until a 1997 American Legacy Magazine article by Tony Scherman, The Great Debaters story was just another missing page from American history. The screenplay penned by Robert Eisle, is based on an inspiring true story of the Wiley College debate team’s triumphant win over Harvard University. Although in reality, the Wiley team never debated Harvard, they debated the University of Southern California. The facts were changed because Harvard “sounded better” for film. What makes this story so unique is that Wiley College is an historical black university and the time was 1935, not 2008. The film received a 2007 Golden Globe nomination for best dramatic film and has strong performances from A-list actors Forest Whitaker, Denzel Washington, Jermaine Williams, Nate Parker and Jurnee Smollett.
Making The Team
The film begins in Marshall, Texas in the middle of the depression, and follows several black students in the midst of procuring education in the most vicious of surroundings: Jim Crow era South. Washington is Melvin B. Tolson, the Wiley debate professor with a flair for the dramatic and no non-sense style. Washington’s natural bravado fits well in his portrayal of professor Tolson. Tolson holds tryouts for the debate team and takes the students through a series of tests designed to examine their debate skills. As Tolson puts it, the students “step into the hot seat” to show what they’ve got.
It’s Booke with An “E”
Samantha Booke, played by talented Jurnee Smollett, a transfer from another college (and the only girl in the bunch) proposes a weak argument, but shows promise.
Henry Lowe
Henry Lowe (Nate Parker), quick witted and a bit arrogant impresses Tolson with his extensive knowledge of history and literature quotes. Not a bad trait for a master debater, which Lowe is. Nate Parker’s performance is a standout. Parker is easy on the eyes and has all the intensity of young Denzel Washington.
James Farmer Jr.,
James Farmer Jr., (Denzel Whitaker) is the whiz kid of the group and a college freshman at only 14. Farmer is short, bookish and has a penchant for research. Farmer is the arch of the film and the role is a solid screen debut for Denzel Whitaker, who still has some growing pains to work out as an actor. Young Farmer develops a huge crush on Booke, and of course, Samantha doesn’t give him the time of day. She’d rather hang out with bad boy, Henry Lowe.
A Lightening Rod In The Storm
Washington does a good job juxtaposing the harsh reality of racism against the protective, nurturing academia of Wiley. In a riveting scene between Forrest Whitaker (James Farmer Sr.) and a racist farmer, we see the racial divide and how many hurdles the Wiley students have to jump over in order to have a viable existence. Unbeknownst to some of his students, Tolson works quietly behind the scenes as a union activist for poor black and white farmers. Tolson’s progressive views make him a lightening rod on Wiley campus and a target for the Marshall sheriff (John Heard).
Gold
After intensive training the students set out to debate the historical black universities in the area. The undefeated Wiley team soon garners a reputation for stiff competition. Tolson sets them up to debate the most elite black universities. If they can beat Howard and Fisk, they’ll have a shot at Harvard. The team garners enough attention to receive an invitation to debate Oklahoma University. During the debate at Oklahoma U, Jurnee Smollet delivers a spine tingling speech during the oration sequence that should guarantee her entrée into young Hollywood’s best and brightest stars. Soon they get the news they’ve been waiting for-the chance to debate the best: Harvard University. The Great Debators is somewhat predictable because the ending is known. What saves this film from being overdone, is Denzel Washington’s light touch and the breakout endearing performances. It’s a real story that’s truly American.
Also stars: Kimberly Elise (Pearl Farmer); Gina Ravera (Ruth Tolson); John Heard (Sheriff Dozier)
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