The Great White Hope (1970)

6.9PG-13103 minDirector: Martin Ritt

1970 film by Martin Ritt

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.

The film and play is based on the true story of boxer Jack Johnson and his first wife, Etta Terry Duryea; the controversy over their marriage; and Duryea's death by suicide in 1912.

Plot summary adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

FAQ

What is The Great White Hope about?
The Great White Hope (1970) — A Black champion boxer and his white female companion struggle to survive while the white boxing establishment looks for ways to knock him down.
Is The Great White Hope based on a true story?
See the production background and source material details on the official Wikipedia article.
Is The Great White Hope scary?
Content rating: PG-13. See the reviews tab for parental guidance and tone notes.
What is The Great White Hope (1970) about? Plot, synopsis and ending explained — Screencodex