The Great White Hope
Seen it?1970 | 103 min | Drama
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It drew serious awards attention, though it had middling reviews (43% on Rotten Tomatoes) and soft box office. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Beast, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 43 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG-13. Probably too much for younger kids.
- Made in 1970: an older pace and style.
A black champion boxer and his white female companion struggle to survive while the white boxing establishment looks for ways to knock him down.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsBelow par
43% on Rotten Tomatoes, 53 on Metacritic
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Drama. Also nominated for 2 Oscars and 1 WGA Award. Plus 1 other award.
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$16 million worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 54K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Martin Ritt
- James Earl JonesJack Jefferson
- Jane AlexanderEleanor
- Lou GilbertGoldie
- Joel FluellenTick
- Chester MorrisPop Weaver
- Robert WebberDixon
- Marlene WarfieldClara
- Hal HolbrookCameron
- Beah RichardsMama Tiny
- Moses GunnScipio