The Great Debaters
Drama
When the nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.
The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite.
2007-12-25
en
Cast
Director
Denzel Washington
Denzel Whitaker as James Farmer Jr.
Denzel Washington as Melvin B. Tolson
Nate Parker as Henry Lowe
Jurnee Smollett as Samantha Booke
Forest Whitaker as Dr. James Farmer Sr.
Kimberly Elise as Pearl Farmer
Jermaine Williams as Hamilton Burgess
Gina Ravera as Ruth Tolson
John Heard as Sheriff Dozier
Devyn A. Tyler as Helen Farmer
Ritchie Montgomery as Deputy
Jackson Walker as Pig Owner
Tim Parati as Pig Farmer
Robert X. Golphin as Dunbar Reed
Justice Leak as Harland Osbourne
Glen Powell as Harvard Debater #1
Brian Smiar as Harvard Dean
Damien Leake as Wilson
Stephen Rider as Paul Quinn Debater #2
Gordon Danniels as Paul Quinn Debate Judge
Donny Boaz as Oklahoma City College Debater #1
Bonnie Johnson as Dr. Jennings
Charissa Allen as Benita
Michael Beasley as Trudell
George Wilson as Samuel
Fahnlohnee R. Harris as Clementine
Harold Evans as William Taylor
J.D. Evermore as Captain Wainwright
Sharon Jones as Lila
Kelvin Payton as Joseph
Frank Ridley as Security Guard
Jack Radosta as White Man at Lynching
Dom Flemons as Juke Joint Musician #2
Rhiannon Giddens as Juke Joint Musician #4
Marcus Lyle Brown as Howard Debater #1
Kevin Beard as Klansman at Lynching (uncredited)