The Great Debaters (2007)
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I am the darker brother. I too am American
I want you to try out for the debate team.
Are you sure you want somebody like me?
No. That's why you are trying out.
Gentlemen - and lady, debate is combat.
But, your weapons are words.
(narrator) In a time of change, he taught them to find their strength.
Dad, I made the debate team.
Now, Tolson can be a bit of a rebel. A bit extreme for my taste.
Debate is bloodsport. You must destroy your opponent.
Not only verbally, but physically.
I am here to help you to find , and keep, your righteous mind.
(narrator) When our nation was in need, he inspired them to give us hope.
The time for justice is always right now.
She's good.
[crowd chanting]
Well, everybody knows he's been running around stirring up trouble....
Get down.
[mob noises]
...One of them's liable to get hurt, if you catch my drift.
Mr. Tolson!
Since it's clear that you have no evidence, I suggest you let him go.
Are you threating me boy?
I wouldn't do that...
..but I cannot speak for those people outside.
[crowd chanting] Let him go, Let him go!
[classroom cheers]
This came.
Looks like somebody opened it already [her] not me.
[reading letter] Dear Mr. Tolson,
We wish to extend an invitation to a debate with Harvard Crimson
We'll be one of the first Negro colleges in America to ever debate a white college.
If we defeat them, we defeat the best.
What's the matter - you afraid?
(narrator) From director Denzel Washington and producer Oprah Winfrey, comes the story...
This debate is stirring up a lot of excitement. It's going to be broadcast all over America.
(narrator)...of the team that got the world to listen.
[♪...shine your light...]
[radio announcer] This is WNBC radion, bring to you live, tonight's history making debate.
[♪...Give me the strength, to carry on, carry on..]
Academy Award Winner Denzel Washington
Academy Award Winner Forest Whitaker
My message to you is to never quit.
[Captions By Captionwire.com]