Rossmoor’s Democratic Club sponsors a July Film Program in Peacock Hall on Monday July 13, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:15pm featuring the inspirational and uplifting film The Great Debaters (2007). Based on a true story, this powerful period docu-drama set in the 1930’s focuses on a debating team from Wiley College, a small Black college in rural Texas.
Although critics comment positively on the film’s superb cinematography and beautiful musical score, the acting performances are considered to be the movie’s most critically remarkable aspect. Academy Award winner Denzel Washington both directs the film and stars as Melvin Towson, a published poet and debate team coach. Forrest Whitaker, also an Academy Award winner, plays James Farmer Sr., the Wiley College president and father of one of the debaters. Clearly, performances by the 3 principal debaters – Journey Smollett (Samantha), Nate Parker (Henry) and Denzel Whitaker (James Jr.) – are especially outstanding!
The ironic coincidence is that Denzel Whitaker, who plays James Farmer Jr., is not related to either Denzel Washington or Forest Whitaker!
Interestingly, critics agree that the film shows “four African-American debaters succeeding in the face of adversity [and] growing stronger with success AND defeat. Plus, their debates are lively and thought provoking.” During and after these competitions, serious thematic issues are revealed, dramatizing how debates provide unsettling and disturbing reflections of that time.
The Great Debaters runs for 2 hours 6 minutes and provides subtitles. Film enthusiast Lynne Thorner will facilitate a post-viewing discussion that links some of the film’s themes with current events. Please direct any questions or concerns to Lynne at [email protected].