The Great White Hope (1970)

Two Geeks and a GIT Classic Movie Reviews

We're honoring the late, great, James Earl Jones in this pairing. We've done a number of his films already, but we've chosen two that were important in his career. First up, the role that, on Broadway, won him a Tony, and got him his only Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Directed by Martin Ritt, 1970's "The Great White Hope" chronicles the rise and fall of African-American boxer Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones) as he becomes the first non-white man to ever hold the heavyweight boxing title back in the early 20th century. Based on the real-life exploits of boxer Jack Johnson, the film follows its title character as he revels in his success with his white girlfriend, Eleanor (Jane Alexander, who also played the roled opposite Jones on Broadway and who also won a Tony for her portrayal). After running afoul of anti-misegynation laws, the couple, along with manager Goldie (Lou Gilbert) and sideman Tick (Joel Fluellen) flee overseas. Unfortunately, even across the Atlantic, the quartet still can't escape the stigma of racism and, eventually, Jack must return to America, take a terrible deal, and settle the issue of his championship once and for all. Also starring Chester Morris, Robert Webber, R. G. Armstrong, and Hal Holbrook.