Based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor from the historically black Wiley College in East Texas. In 1935, Tolson inspired students to form the college's first debating team, and led it to defeat Harvard in national championships.
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I like the message but not the false history
3
By Furutan1
The 1935 Wiley debating team did not compete with Harvard as depicted. Their historic debate was with Southern Cal, which at the time was the national debate champion. I have no idea why Oprah Winfrey and Denzel Washington would willfully and intentionally miseducate viewers in this way. Because drama outweighs truth? Who knows.
It is an excellent film but as with many other films based on historical events, the choice of the producers / director changing the facts sours it. The truth should be enough for the film to stand on its own merits.
