The Great White Hope
Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones) as a boxer, dealing with the racism and hatred of mid-century white America. He is not only the first black heavyweight contender; he is also in love with a white woman. Jefferson must not only deal with the hatred of whites, he must also deal with the ostracism of some members of the black community who feel he has sold out.
Member Reviews
Outstanding Performances, But Another Fictional Take on History - MovieProf
What else is new? Hollywood loves to warp history for its own purposes. “The Great White Hope,” based on the stage play, does just that: the story of African-American boxer Jack Johnson is heavily fictionalized here—events are shown out of chronological order, Johnson’s wife Eleanor is completely fictional, and Johnson himself is portrayed, at least until the later stages of the film, in a much kinder light than he actually exhibited in reality.
However, despite all this historical fantasizing, this is one great film: the story of Johnson’s battle against racial prejudice—both for a chance at the heavyweight title championship (which is not legal in the beginning of the film), and in his desire to marry Eleanor, a white woman—makes for riveting drama. As well, James Earl Jones, years before he was forever immortalized as the voice of Darth Vader, is outstanding as Johnson. Jones gives off a performances so good, it was nominated for the best actor’s award in 1971 (he eventually lost out to George C. Scott for his role in “Patton”). I think, having seen the two films, Jones might have deserved the award, but that’s just personal opinion.Running From the Law - McStinky
What struck me most about Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones’ character) is how happy-go-lucky, nothing will bother me, smiling all the time he is at the beginning of the story. And how run down and beaten he is at the end. And this isn’t because of the fact that he is a boxer, but because of this black man’s relationship with a white woman.
Inspired by a true story and taking place at the turn of the century, this picture tells the story of Jack Jefferson's fight against the establishment. Framed on bogus charges, he spends the rest of his boxing career running from the law. In the end, it is simply too much for him and he gives everything up. He ends his relationship with the woman he loves and he literally throws his boxing career away.
Before seeing this movie, I hadn't seen much of James Earl Jones' work. I thought is was a wonderful performance and truly deserving of his Oscar nomination.
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Outstanding Performances, But Another Fictional Take on History - MovieProf
What else is new? Hollywood loves to warp history for its own purposes. “The Great White Hope,” based on the stage play, does just that: the story of African-American boxer Jack Johnson is heavily fictionalized here—events are shown out of chronological ...Running From the Law - McStinky
What struck me most about Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones’ character) is how happy-go-lucky, nothing will bother me, smiling all the time he is at the beginning of the story. And how run down and beaten he is at the end. And this isn’t because of the fact ...