The Great Debaters

Period drama starring Denzel Washington as the maverick college professor who inspires a student debate team against the backdrop of racial segregation in the 1930s American South. Based on the true story of Melvin B Tolson (Washington) who worked at Wiley College in Texas, the film follows the development of a precocious debate team that includes such figures as a young James Farmer Jr (Denzel Whitaker). Of course, out of college the students and their professor face challenges as well, from everyday racism and the threat of lynch mobs to romantic entanglements and family issues.

If they can keep their heads throughout the chaos and continue to develop their debating skills they may have a chance in their ultimate challenge, a showdown with the champion debaters of the prestigious Harvard University.