USA / 2007 / 126mins / Biopic, Historical Drama / English

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.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington is an Academy award-winning actor, director and producer best-known for his roles in Glory, Malcolm X and The Hurricane. As an actor, he is known for his penchant for taking on challenging roles and portraying them to perfection. His first paid acting role was in a summer stock theater stage production in St. Mary's City, Maryland. He played the part of a real historical character, Mathias Da Sousa, although much of the dialogue was created. Afterwards he began to pursue screen roles in earnest. He made his first big screen appearance in Carbon Copy (1981) with George Segal. He got his next big break when he was chosen to play the role of Dr. Philip Chandler in the NBC medical drama series, St. Elsewhere. He played several minor roles in films before Cry Freedom happened in 1987. His portrayal of anti-apartheid social activist Steve Biko established him as a talented character actor. More challenging roles followed and the actor went on to earn several Academy award nominations, winning two of them. He frequently collaborated with producer Jerry Bruckheimer and director Tony Scott. Learn More