The Great White Hope

As an 18-yr old, I vividly remember when this movie came out and the swirling controversies that accompanied it. Whites were cautious because it openly dealt with not only an interracial love affair but because of the depiction of an unrelenting, proud, but very angry black man. Interestingly enough, with the advent of Black Power/the Revolution and the emergence of the Black Panthers, most black audiences were equally cautious as well and for exactly the same reasons. Also keep in mind I was living in the South then too. Even in 1970, few southern towns would actually show the film.

This is a variation on the real-life troubles of Jack Johnson, one of boxing's earliest contenders.

Hands down the most compelling performances are those of James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander that leave an indelible imprint on the viewer. Because of the racial fabric of the time, Jack knew he was asking for trouble by openly defying white authority and then compounding that by becoming involved with a white woman. Both undoubtedly knew full well what they would be up against. While they may have deeply loved each other in the beginning, they soon discovered that simply love does not conquer all.

The movie is also filled with treasures of African-American performances by the likes of Beah Richards, Moses Gunn, Roy Glenn Sr. and Virginia Capers. This alone is worth the price of admission.

In many instances it is most difficult to watch. Two mesmerizing and thoroughly wrenching scenes were Jane's suicide and when Jack and company were reduced to performing "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in Europe to survive.

The film is most certainly uncompromising which was a MAJOR achievement given the social fabric at the time. James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander both deserved Oscars for their performances but that would have been like condoning their whole situation and god KNOWS Hollywood would NEVER have done that.....(sigh) Another example of not being able to see the forest for the trees.

Nonetheless, this is an eeeeeeeeeexcellent film and most worthy of your movie collection

This movie was a great find. The main person in the movie James Earl Jones was excellent. It gives the life story of one of the top boxers of all times who was railroaded because he loved a white woman.

You don't have to be a fan of boxing to enjoy this movie. THE GREAT WHITE HOPE is the story of Jack Johnson, the famed illustrious 'Negro' boxer. Fortunately, James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander reprieve the role they played in the successful Broadway play (1968), each giving a powerful performance. It was said that Mohamed Ali saw the play and later modeled his boxing 'personality' after the famed Jack Johnson.

I've read many biographies of the late Jack Johnson, and I think that the movie does not follow true to the actually events in Johnson's life. Still, the movie is gripping, thanks to James Earl Jones' intense electrifying portrayal of Jack Johnson. I highly recommend this movie.

I saw this film in the theater while in High School and was blown away. Loosely based on the life of Jack Johnson like so many other so called "film biographies". The 1968-69 Pulitzer Prize winning play by Howard Sackler, brought to film in 1970, with James Earl Jones and Jane Alexander repeating their Broadway roles. Just a taste of what the real Jack Johnson was up against during the turn-of-the century. Arrogant black man not afraid to say anything he pleased while winning the heavyweight boxing title, and freely flaunting his love for white women when lynchings were the rule for "uppity n*****s". A very unfortunate part of America's legacy.

A real gutsy, meaty, in-your-face role for Mr. Jones that brought him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. And his love interest, beautifully portrayed by Ms. Alexander was also rewarded an Oscar nomination for Best Actress as well. A powerful drama, with a rarely seen strong romantic coupling of a black man and a white woman. Another Martin Ritt directed masterpiece. Another film that took forever to release on DVD.

pretty powerful. every aspect of this film moved me: the acting, the visuals, the settings. james earl jones and jane alexander light up the screen in their roles. both were nominated for oscars. but the real star of the film is the screenplay, which hits harder than an ali right cross. jones' jack jefferson was arrogant, but he was a proud black man; he didn't walk around feeling sorry for himself, nor was he trying to be the " standard bearer" for the black race. he just wanted to box and do it well. the last scene in the film when he is asked to throw a fight, yet chooses to fight and lost, is great. jefferson may have lost his belt, but he didn't cave in...the interracial relationship was done well, but as always in movies, it usually ends tragically...