The Great White Hope (1970)

In the adrenaline-charged world of boxing, Jack Jefferson, brilliantly portrayed by James Earl Jones, reigns supreme as the world's heavyweight champion. His dominance, however, is shadowed by the color of his skin; he is the first black heavyweight champion, a reality that unsettles many in the racially charged atmosphere of early 20th-century America. Jefferson's personal life is as daring as his professional one. He is deeply in love with Eleanor, his white fiancé, played by Jane Alexander in her debut film role. Their interracial relationship, a bold defiance of societal norms, is met with hostility and prejudice. The couple's shared dream of happiness is brutally interrupted when Jefferson is framed for violating the Mann Act, accused of crossing a state line with Eleanor. With a prison sentence looming, Jefferson and Eleanor escape to Europe, only to be met with a fresh set of trials. They confront challenges in England, France, and finally, in the vibrant streets of Havana, Cuba. It is here that Jefferson, the Great White Hope, agrees to step into the boxing ring once more, preparing for a bout that could alter the trajectory of his life. His journey is riddled with trials both inside and outside the ring. Jefferson faces not just the hatred of a racially divided white America, but also the disapproval of certain members of his own community, who perceive his success as a betrayal. "The Great White Hope" is a stirring exploration of love, ambition, and resilience in the face of adversity. This riveting tale earned both Jones and Alexander Oscar nominations, affirming the film's status as a cinematic heavyweight.

The Great White Hope is a drama movie featuring James Earl Jones and directed by Martin Ritt.

The Great White Hope is currently streaming on fuboTV.