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The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College

09/10/2008

|

1hr 14min

|

Documentary

The story that inspired a film. The achievement that inspired a nation.

STORY

Inspired by the critically acclaimed Hollywood film The Great Debaters, The Real Great Debaters of Wiley College unveils the true story of Wiley College’s 1935 debate team and their groundbreaking defeat of the all-white reigning national championship debate team at the University of Southern California. Shattering racial stereotypes and overcoming adversity against great odds, these courageous young debaters emerged triumphant, commanding not only the respect of their peers... but of the nation. Influenced by their coach Melvin B. Tolson, the Wiley College debaters would go on to devote their talents to the causes of civil justice and social progress and become leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. The film comes full-circle, as the legacies of The Great Debaters inspire Wiley’s new debate team as it seeks to reclaim its glory on the national stage.

CAST & CREW

    Cast

  • Gail Beil
  • Eleanor Boswell
  • Thomas Freeman
  • Lewis Keys
  • Nate Parker

    Director

  • Brad Osborne

INFORMATION

    Production Companies

    Production Countries

LANGUAGES

  • English

Cast

Gail Beil

Self

Eleanor Boswell

Self

Thomas Freeman

Self

Lewis Keys

Self

Nate Parker

Self

Adam Clayton Powell III

Self

Haywood Strickland

Self

Harry Thomas

Self

Melvin B. Tolson Jr.

Self

Arthur Tolson

Self

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