The Great White Hope (B+ or 3/4 stars)
Set btwn. 1910-1915, 'The Great White Hope', directed by Martin Ritt, tells a (mostly accurate) account of the highs & lows of boxer Jack Jefferson (James Earl Jones; patterned after real-life boxer Jack Johnson); who defeats a string of white competitors in a Reno, Nevada bout to become the world's 1st black heavyweight champion. Soon enough, the press & other whites announce the search for a "great white hope" who can defeat him for the Heavyweight title. After crossing a state line with his white divorcee girlfriend Eleanor Bachman (Jane Alexander), however, Jack is arrested, stripped of his title, & convicted of breaking the Mann Act.
Found guilty of the unlawful sexual relations & sentenced to 3 yrs. in prison, Jack manages to escape & leaves America for Canada, England, France, & Germany - but he is besieged by his now negative reputation & can't get work as a boxer. Offered his freedom from criminal charges if he'll agree to a fixed fight in Cuba that will restore the title to a white champion, Jack refuses, tragedy ensues, & Jack finally accepts the bout in Havana ... giving it all that he's got.
'The Great White Hope' is, overall, a stellar film. It persuasively recreates the mood, climate & danger of the era. James Earl Jones' rages, joys, & every emotion in-between are superbly conveyed. And there's a grittiness to the film that is commendable; and not like many films of the late 60s/early 70s. If I have any issue with the film it's that the fighter's tragic private life slows down the engaging boxing proceedings. However, the ensemble cast, led by Jones & Jane Alexander (their love story is touchingly portrayed), an earthy script, & some superb period production values make this film easy to admire.
Found guilty of the unlawful sexual relations & sentenced to 3 yrs. in prison, Jack manages to escape & leaves America for Canada, England, France, & Germany - but he is besieged by his now negative reputation & can't get work as a boxer. Offered his freedom from criminal charges if he'll agree to a fixed fight in Cuba that will restore the title to a white champion, Jack refuses, tragedy ensues, & Jack finally accepts the bout in Havana ... giving it all that he's got.
'The Great White Hope' is, overall, a stellar film. It persuasively recreates the mood, climate & danger of the era. James Earl Jones' rages, joys, & every emotion in-between are superbly conveyed. And there's a grittiness to the film that is commendable; and not like many films of the late 60s/early 70s. If I have any issue with the film it's that the fighter's tragic private life slows down the engaging boxing proceedings. However, the ensemble cast, led by Jones & Jane Alexander (their love story is touchingly portrayed), an earthy script, & some superb period production values make this film easy to admire.