The Great White Hope is a 1970 American biographical romantic drama film written and adapted from the 1967 Howard Sackler play of the same name. The film was directed by Martin Ritt, starring James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Chester Morris, Hal Holbrook, Beah Richards and Moses Gunn. Jones and Alexander, who also appeared in the same roles in the stage versions, received Best Actor and Actress Academy Award nominations for their performances. This unflinching look at racism, pride, and perseverance remains painfully relevant today. The film and play is based on the true story of boxer Jack Johnson and his first wife, Etta Terry Duryea, and the controversy over their marriage and Duryea's death by suicide in 1912. The Great White Hope is a powerful drama that explores the resilience and struggle of a Black heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Jefferson, as he faces relentless challenges from a society intent on his downfall. Based on true events, The Great White Hope tells the story of Jefferson and his white partner, Eleanor, whose relationship stirs controversy and hostility. With themes of racial prejudice, love, and perseverance, this cinematic gem dives deep into the struggles and sacrifices of a man determined to rise above society’s expectations. Directed by the acclaimed Martin Ritt and starring the legendary James Earl Jones alongside Jane Alexander, The Great White Hope brings heart-wrenching moments, raw performances, and an unflinching look at race and identity in America. Plot: A Black champion boxer and his white female companion struggle to survive while the white boxing establishment looks for ways to knock him down. Synopsis: Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones) is the boxing heavyweight champion of early 1910s America. But as a black man, he's not only fighting other boxers, but discrimination and prejudice as well. The boxing fans and press resent the idea of a black champion and are actively searching for a "great white hope" that can defeat him. But it's Jefferson's activities outside the ring, primarily involving the white Eleanor Bachman (Jane Alexander), that may prove to be his downfall. Storyline: Boxer Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones) is the world's reigning heavyweight boxing champion. There's just one problem: he is also the first Black heavyweight champion, which bothers a lot of people. Jack's celebration is cut short when he is framed for crossing a state line with Eleanor, his white fiancée (Jane Alexander in her first film role), a violation of the Mann Act. Facing a prison sentence, Jack escapes to Europe with Eleanor in tow, encountering problems in England, and then France, and eventually landing in Cuba. In Havana, Jack agrees to enter the boxing ring for what might be the bout of his life. Both Jones and Alexander were nominated for Oscars. Tagline: The most honored play in the history of Broadway... becomes an electrifying motion picture! Reception: The film opened to positive responses from both audiences and critics. They especially loved the performances of both James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander, who were in the original stage play: they won Tony Awards for the play. Jones would get bigger roles after this film, and Alexander made a debut here. Jones later contributed commentary to a documentary about Jack Johnson that would sum up this film, saying: "To know the story of Jack Johnson is to know that it is a study in hubris." Critic Emanuel Levy wrote called it a "well-acted drama". Variety said: “Jones' re-creation of his stage role is an eye-riveting experience. The towering rages and unrestrained joys of which his character was capable are portrayed larger than life.” We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:
Starring James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Lou Gilbert
