Plot
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 coaches the debate team to a nearly-undefeated season that sees the first debate between U.S. students from white and Negro colleges and ends with an invitation to face Harvard University's national champions. The team of four, which includes 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.
Written by
Robert Eisele, Jeffrey Porro, Tony Scherman
Directed by
Denzel Washington
Crew
Production Countries
United States of America
Production Companies
Harpo Films, The Weinstein Company, Marshall Production
Languages
English
Awards
10 wins & 10 nominations total