The Great White Hope (1970)
-
33% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
70% of users liked it
(538 ratings)
Although the characters' names were changed, The Great White Hope was a thinly veiled account of the trials and tribulations of boxer Jack Johnson, based on the play by Howard Sackler and directed by Martin Ritt. James Earl Jones stars as boxing great Jack Jefferson, who defeats Frank Bardy… More Although the characters' names were changed, The Great White Hope was a thinly veiled account of the trials and tribulations of boxer Jack Johnson, based on the play by Howard Sackler and directed by Martin Ritt. James Earl Jones stars as boxing great Jack Jefferson, who defeats Frank Bardy Larry Pennell in a Reno, Nevada bout to become the world's first black heavyweight champion. After crossing a state line with his white girlfriend Eleanor (Jane Alexander in her feature debut), however, Jack is arrested and tried under the miscegenation-barring Mann Act. Found guilty and sentenced to three years in prison, Jack escapes and leaves the U.S., but he's dogged by his now bad reputation and can't get honest work as a fighter. Offered his freedom from criminal charges if he'll agree to a fixed fight in Cuba that will restore the title to a white contender, Jack refuses and Eleanor commits suicide, their life on the run overwhelming her. Jack finally accepts the bout in Havana, but he fights his opponent with everything he's got. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- Martin Ritt
- Written By
- Howard Sackler
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Oct 16, 1970 Wide
Critic Reviews
-
Variety Staff, Variety
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.
-
Vincent Canby, New York Times
One of those liberal, well-meaning, fervently uncontroversial works that pretend to tackle contemporary problems by finding analogies at a safe remove in history.
-
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
Provocative but never challenging.
-
Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
The movie is too theatrical and every idea is spelled out for the audience, but the acting of James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander (both Oscar-nominated) is good.
-
, TV Guide's Movie Guide
The love story between Alexander and Jones is touchingly portrayed.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
Currently unavailable on Flixster
Also available on
Other Retailers
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Subscription Services
Not Available
Not Available
Not Available
Cast
-
James Earl Jones
as Jack Jefferson
-
Jane Alexander
as Eleanor
-
Lou Gilbert
as Goldie
-
Joel Fluellen
as Tick
-
Chester Morris
as Pop Weaver
-
Robert Webber
as Dixon
-
Marlene Warfield
as Clara
-
R.G. Armstrong
as Cap'n Dan
-
Hal Holbrook
as Cameron
-
Beah Richards
as Mama Tiny
-
Moses Gunn
as Scipio
-
Lloyd Gough
as Smitty
-
George Ebeling
as Fred
-
Larry Pennell
as Brady
-
Roy E. Glenn Sr.
as Pastor
-
Marcel Dalio
as French Promoter
-
Rodopho (Rudy) Acosta
as El Jefe
-
Virginia Capers
as Sister Pearl
-
Scatman Crothers
as Barker
-
Oscar Beregi Sr.
as Ragosy
- Robert A. Davis
-
Basil Dignam
as English Official
-
Manuel Padilla
as Paco
-
Rockne Tarkington
as Rudy
-
Bill Walker
as Deacon
-
Karl Otto Alberty
as Hans
