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Based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor from the historically black Wiley College in East Texas. In 1935, Tolson inspired students to form the college's first debating team, and led it to defeat Harvard in national championships.
Dec 25, 2007 · Poet and professor Melvin B. Tolson (Denzel Washington) teaches at the predominately black Wiley College in 1935 Texas. He decides to start a debate team, something nearly unheard of at a black...
- (134)
- Drama
- PG-13
Dec 25, 2007 · The Great Debaters. Directed by Denzel Washington. Biography, Drama, Romance. PG-13. 2h 6m. By Stephen Holden. Dec. 25, 2007.
A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.
In 1935, a teacher at an all-black college pushes his debate team to a level of excellence that nets them a chance to face reigning champion Harvard. Watch trailers & learn more.
Dec 27, 2007 · Overview. The true story of a brilliant but politically radical debate team coach who uses the power of words to transform a group of underdog African-American college students into a historical powerhouse that took on the Harvard elite. Denzel Washington. Director. Jeffrey Porro. Story. Robert Eisele. Writer.
Feb 29, 2024 · Despite its origins in a true story, the film’s climactic final act, Melvin’s Debaters’ conclusive confrontation against Harvard students at a competition, remains a fictional plot point. In real life, the Wiley College Debate Team didn’t enter a debate with Harvard University during the 30s.
