Martin Ritt's engrossing, well-crafted motion picture on the tragic private life of the legendary first African American heavyweight boxing champion of the world Jack Johnson, played in a towering larger-than-life Oscar nominated performance for Best Actor by James Earl Jones who recreates his iconic Tony Award winning Broadway role. Johnson was one of the greatest boxers in the history of the ring. In the year 1910 Johnson had to deal with the pure racism in white America that seriously despised him not only because he could easily beat any white boxer, but because of his sexual involvement with a white woman named Eleanor Blackman, brilliantly played by Jane Alexander who earned an Best Actress Oscar nomination for her memorable performance. Johnson even had problems with the black community who felt that he has sold out. Astute direction by Ritt, with solid supporting performances by Robert Webber, R.G Armstrong, Hal Holbrook, Moses Gunn, Marlene Warfield, Oscar Beregi Jr., Larry Pennell, and Scatman Crothers. This exceptional film is a true showcase for the impressive acting skill of the great James Earl Jones who totally commands the screen with a mixture of rage, pride, and human frailty. One of the most rewarding films of the early '70s.
Review of The Great White Hope
The Great White Hope
(1970)
A MEMORABLE FILM, AND JAMES EARL JONES' FINEST HOUR AS AN ACTOR!
18 January 2020