'The Great Debaters': Why Wasn't History Good Enough?
The Globe Newspapers, Commentary, Eleanor Boswell-Raine, Posted: Jan 05, 2008
Editor's Note: The daughter of one of the real-life debaters depicted in the movie "The Great Debaters" questions the decision to attribute real accomplishments to fictitious characters. Eleanor Boswell-Raine is the associate publisher of The Globe Newspapers.
I am the daughter of Hamilton Boswell, who was a member of the Wiley College debating team of 1935. I regret that my father’s history was twisted and that writers somehow didn’t think that the truth was enough.
He was so proud to have contributed his memories to the making of what he thought would be a representative account of his beloved alma maters, Wiley and the University of Southern California, his mentor Melvin Tolson, his debating team and the team’s triumph.
Through the years I’ve listened to people say that early American historians distorted the history of blacks. It was a tactic that contributed to the undermining of the accomplishments of blacks; it haunts us to this day.
In an interview with film critic Kam Williams after the opening of the film, Denzel Washington, when asked why he wanted to bring the story of "The Great Debaters" to the silver screen, said: “It’s history, that’s why I wanted to capture it. I said, ‘We can’t miss this.’ There’s a lot there, and we need to pass that on. These things need to be shared and celebrated.”
While the film, "The Great Debaters," produced by Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo production company and actor/director Denzel Washington, successfully projects episodes of cruelty and blatant hatred against blacks by the white South of 1935, it holds up a shining example of a tiny black Texas college that produced one of the finest college debating teams of the time.
So the question is, why did its writers distort the Wiley College debating team’s history?
Here’s what is true:
Wiley College, in Marshall, Texas, is a real black college. Melvin Tolson was a brilliant professor who coached an outstanding debating team that competed and won against other black and white colleges.
James Farmer, a famous civil rights activist, was a junior member of the Wiley debating team. The year was 1935. Whites were lynching black people in the South. Fathers and mothers were humiliated in front of their children.
While on the road, Tolson and his debaters were traveling in a car when they encountered a crowd of white men, women and children who had lynched and mutilated a black man.
The Wiley debating team did compete and win a championship against a highly rated and revered university.
Professor Tolson did have leftist leanings, and one of the debater’s parents was concerned about how it would affect his son’s future. These are among the real facts.
Here’s what is untrue:
Perhaps one of the most damning distortions was the fictitious venue: the Wiley debating team did not debate at Harvard, it debated at the University of Southern California.
The team traveled west, not north, to debate a university not used to debating with black schools and not used to losing.
Three of the four debaters were fictional. The film’s writers took half of the names of authentic debaters and changed their last names. Hamilton Boswell became “Hamilton Burgess,” complete with the use of Boswell’s nickname, “Ham.” Henry Heights became “Henry Lowe.” There was no woman on the team in 1935.
In his 90s, Boswell shared with the researchers of the film his memories of the times – of Tolson and Wiley and of his personal experiences on the road with the debating team. Boswell died in May 2007 thinking that the Wiley debating team’s story would be told, and without knowledge that his name would be fictionalized.
The film sprinkled in facts that he provided. The most dramatic was the lynching scene that he, Tolson, and Farmer witnessed. Boswell’s testimony about the event was carried by The New York Times online edition as an MP3. His voice boomed out as he discussed the impact on the group of witnessing the horrible lynching.
Was it lack of information that created fictitious people, quoting Willie Lynch who, by the way, was unknown to them, a mere confusion of facts and historic context, or was it creative license taken to the extreme that caused a black producer and a black director and actor to recreate a profoundly notable moment in a small black college’s history?
Was it necessary to attribute real-life people’s accomplishments to fictitious characters at the end of the movie?
It was Hamilton Boswell, a real living person, who went to USC and became an important minister, not Hamilton Burgess. Was Hamilton Boswell not worthy of this recognition in his own right? Was Henry Heights not worthy of his accomplishments?
How long will we as blacks think that it’s all right to take our accomplishments as a basis for rewriting our true history? If Denzel Washington’s writers wanted to write about a fictitious team, why include a person like Tolson, who was not a fake, and distort him? Why take a small black college’s history and moment of triumph only to fake it up? Why insult real debaters by faking their last names when one of them contributed to some of the authenticity of the film and was not even mentioned as an advisor to the film?
When will we treasure our true history instead of trying to improve on it? Once more we are saying to black people, “Your history is just not good enough!”
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User Comments
Ansarel Muhammad on Feb 01, 2008 at 10:55:43 said:
Well I understand how Ms. Boswell feel knowing that her fathers real acomplishments were not put out. But in actulally this mivie does tell us about thoes times about how blaack people were treated, just because a few of the names were changed and they added some charaters doesn't mean this movie will not show our young black children what it was like. When a young black male looks at thins movie he will think about how it must have felt to live in thoes time and how his ancesters went through so much, he will learn something from this movie not matter what. Putting a woman on the team would give young women courage and strenth to follow there dreams. Yes the truth was tampered a little but that does no real harm to us Ms Boswell feels that her father and his team mates real names should have been put in the movie and I do not disagree but you can not ignore or pass the fact that this movie said a lot and did teach something. if Oprah and Denzel Washington did not make this movie not one would have known about Mr. Boswell's real or even a little real accomplishments us as a people whould have never known something like that exsisted in our history.
Roslyn Washington on Jan 22, 2008 at 12:14:04 said:
Ms. Boswell is proud of her fathers accomplishments...period. It is not on anyone else to tell her how she should feel about that. I am actually glad that she questioned the "facts" because the result is we are digging deeper into this wonderful story. For the movie itself, Oprah, Denzel, Forest, and all others involved...Thank you. We need more people of your caliber to continue to educate us on our history. To Ms. Boswell, your father would be as proud of you right now as you obviously are of him.
Interesting on Jan 18, 2008 at 17:04:40 said:
First of all, to Ms. Boswell. I thank you and your father for his efforts to help Black America. With that, I understand you are frustrated by not having his last name included in the credits. He should have hired a lawyer and had his statements copyrighted to ensure the credit.
However, I agree with many on this. This was a movie. It was "based on" a true story. Like JFK, Erin Brockovich and other movies, there are some liberties that hollywood directors do to make their version of the story work.
The important thing out of all of this is that the movie was made. A part of history was given. The fictional part is more to do with analogy and tieing central themes together to make a story interesting. Booke with an "e," Lowe with an "e" and the significance of Harvard (pinnacle of academia) really was to make a plot more appealing to audiences. It should not be viewed to take away from your father's legacy and the other Wiley debaters at all. Most of the film is centered around Farmer, Jr. and his growth into a man and civil rights leader. So, just relax. Be thankful you have an opportunity to express your views in an article because the movie was made.
If you have legal recourse, take your lawyer and fight for proceeds. Just don't complain. Have "resolve" and get your paper (or recognition) if you feel you have been damaged. It is just going to cost you and you might loose.
Chris Oliver on Jan 17, 2008 at 16:21:00 said:
Hi all. Let's lay off of Ms. Boswell-Raine as (1)You know if that was your father you'd want his name in the movie - if you wouldn't be upset you should be (2) "Why wasn't history good enough?" is a fair question and surely a disclaimer saying "Welp, it said inspired by or based on a true story" isn't final answer. Just because we've drawn inspiration and a renewal of spirit from the movie doesn't mean that we can't be critical of the art DESPITE the platinum talent of Oprah, Denzel and the cast and crew. I'm from Marshall, Tx (Born and raised) and I've got a perspective about Wiley that most don't. Consequently I'm TOO proud of that movie but I agree that there was no need to pick Harvard over USC nor to compleley change the names. But do NOT let that stop you from watching, enjoying, and the buying this movie.
lim,Alyssa on Jan 14, 2008 at 17:41:12 said:
I really enjoyed this movie THE GREAT DEBATERS it really has inspired me more to want to get to know more about my history. I really and truly loved this movie it made me cry a little lol=...But i have also learned that blacks really had to use their education in order to get their point across because it wasn't that easy for blacks to get their point across to people.Finally i have lots more to say but I'm just going to say from looking at this movie i have learned so much more and trust me this is the most inspiring movie i have ever seen i would love for not just my different raced friends to see the movie but i want my African American friends to see it too so they know that they need to be grateful of what they have now because if wasn't for people like the great debaters and many other African Americans we wouldn't have all this great stuff and it will show them what are ancestors had to go through....Anyways I'm going to go now great movie hoped to get many more just as inspiring and great as that one.
Amer on Jan 14, 2008 at 11:47:43 said:
To eleanor,
I think you should be proud that the film was inspired by your ancestor story. Doesn\\\'t matter if the characters are fictionalized, the important thing is it delivered the BIG message that no matter how small a group people are, as long as they have big voices, they can be heard and stand out. What the movie was trying to tell us was for us to appreciate the lives of those people who have participated in the said great debate, whether it was Henrietta Bell or Hamilton Boswell, how they have been so strong on their own fights.
Honestly after watching it a while ago, it made me search for more about the great debaters of Wiley. That\\\'s how i got here!
Tom on Jan 13, 2008 at 22:54:23 said:
Afrikah Venus,
In fact, the film is "inspired by a true story" which is different than based on. That statement can be found under the title on the advertisements.
In any case, it is great that the film also inspired people to find out more about Tolson and the team!
Afrikah Venus on Jan 12, 2008 at 21:08:10 said:
Personally, I feel Eleanor Boswell-Raine claims are bogus!
People have interviewed the composite character of Henrietta Bell Wells played as Samantha Booke, by Jurnee Smollett. This elderly woman, Henrietta Bell Wells has no reason to LIE! I suggest that Eleanor read and listen to Henrietta’s interviews granted with the other reputable media .
In all honesty, I think this is a pathetic attempt by Ms. Raine to obtain compensation for her Father’s so-called interview. Furthermore, the movie is “BASED ON A TRUE STORY”. The operative word is “BASED ON” the writers of the story can and do pick and choose what they want to fictionalize in a script!
Afrikah Venus on Jan 12, 2008 at 12:19:47 said:
Personally, I feel Eleanor Boswell-Raine claims are bogus!
People have interviewed the composite character of Henrietta Bell Wells played as Samantha Booke, by Jurnee Smollett. This elderly woman, Henrietta Bell Wells has no reason to LIE! I suggest that Eleanor read and listen to Henrietta’s interviews granted with the other reputable media .
In all honesty, I think this is a pathetic attempt by Ms. Raine to obtain compensation for her Father’s so-called interview. Furthermore, the movie is “BASED ON A TRUE STORY”. The operative word is “BASED ON” the writers of the story can and do pick and choose what they want to fictionalize in a script!
Johnny Mack on Jan 10, 2008 at 15:50:05 said:
I enjoyed the movie so much and glad that it motivated me to seek out additional information regarding the characters in the movie...I have learned so much.
Nat Hewling on Jan 10, 2008 at 08:11:49 said:
Well said Daphne! Your response is exactly what I wanted to read. More often than not, movies are based on true stories and changed for entertainment purposes. Talented writers and Directors know how to spin stories to reach its viewers in order to get their intended message across. This film was not only informative but very entertaining and told a BIG story about people from a SMALL town, a story many of us wouldn't have ever learned about otherwise.
Carmelita on Jan 09, 2008 at 08:26:39 said:
Dear Eleanor,
I can only pray that you will one day look at this moment as a "Good Thing", because it was so needed. Being educated about my people is always good and uplifting to me because although I am educated and read a lot, I must tell you I had never heard of Wiley College, the debater or the great teacher. The film challenged me to research these people and I was ot offended at for them modifying the story, however I did thank God for the portions that were served to me. I think that the film accomplished what it was sent out to accomplish, which was to promote learning,determination and unity. I was pleased to see other races at the movies sitting beside me and sharing in laughter and in tears. It moved many people and challenged most of us. Be proud of what was done and say " My father contributed to that". Don't pick it apart, because there is enough of that going on between our on race and other races as well. I have been inspired and challenged. I commend everyone who played a part in this great film.
jem on Jan 08, 2008 at 18:30:46 said:
Dear Eleanor,
I can understand your feeling that your father's legacy has been slighted by "The Great Debaters." I imagine I might feel the same way if it were may dad's story that got changed and projected on the big screen without some acknowledgement. That being said, my only disappointment with the movie is that the biographical text at the end does not include the actual names of the historical people. I find that dishonest and misleading. Aside from that, I loved the movie and am grateful to your father for his courage and his contribution to history and to this movie. I am also grateful to the filmmakers for bringing the story to light. Finally, I am grateful to you for writing this piece so that those of us who are looking for "the rest of the story" can find it from a credible source. I hope you know what an impact this story and the movie are having in a time when people are eager for powerful, positive, hopeful images.
Yvonne F on Jan 08, 2008 at 06:20:33 said:
Being a child of the military and of mixed heritage, I have often attended schools where very little African-American history was taught. Like most, I learned about Dr. Martin Luther King and Malcolm X but learned very little about the Melvin Tolsons' of African-American history. It was not until I attended college and was given the opportunity to take such classes as African-American History and Black Studies did I get the opportunity to learn about all of these wonderful people.
Like many, "The Great Debaters" has brought me to the internet thirsting for more information. Like many, I did not go to this movie expecting 100% accurate facts but pure entertainment but found much, much more. Like many, this movie helped to remind me of all of the wonderful, strong African-American people who paved the way for me and my son. Like many, I left the movie feeling proud and strong.
As a single mom of a boy who is soon to reach his teens, it is important that he sees things that are positive especially living in a world that emphasizes the negative. There are so many principles from this movie that we can instill in our children. The principle of strength, perseverance, forgiveness, and love. How can something so good be so wrong?
I regret, Eleanor, that you feel history has been misrepresented; however, I went with a group of wonderful, beautiful African-American (as well as "Anglo-Saxon" (SMILE)) women who all left saying that they have to find out more. Me being one of them which is why I was on this site this morning in the first place. I do not normally respond to articles or add comments but I just had to take time out of my work to let you know that your father's history has made an impact on many. If I had not gone to see the movie, I would not have known about his history otherwise.
Daphney on Jan 07, 2008 at 12:55:32 said:
Your comment that three out of four character were fictionnal is not accurate. Just because their last name was modified and some facts about them were modified does not make them fictionnal. Henry Heights for example, Henry Lowe in the movie was part of the debate team. Historically the real Henry was known as the most charismatic member of the debaters, he was a well known womanizer and was expelled a few times from school due to drinking problems. Sounds familiar? Samantha Booke represents Henrietta Bell Wells. Who, you're right, was not part of the debate team in 1935 but she was part of it from 1930-31. She also took part in the first interracial debate in Chigago against University of Michigan. Again does it not sound familiar? For Hamilton is last name was changed but the nicknamed stayed...Isn't it obvious that the last names were simply changed to allow some modifications to take place in the story. So yes sometimes reality is replaced by fiction but the message remains... This was a movie not a documentary. And this movie carries a strong and powerful message and I am glad they made it....
Michele on Jan 07, 2008 at 08:35:29 said:
I went to see the movie with my mother and 11 year old daughter. For us, the movie provided information about a college that we had never heard of before, and told us about a part of history that we have never read about nor learned in school.
I wanted my daughter to know about this remarkable team and to understand just how fortunate she is to not have the struggles that existed with racism in 1935. While racism still exists in 2008, our children have far more opportunities than those in 1935. I wanted her to see that despite the racism these students experienced -- they still excelled. This is inspiring to a young black girl. She only learns in school about Martin Luther King, Jr. While Dr. King was a great man, he is one of many great black men and women throughout American history that were exceptional human beings because of their inventions, academic achievements, or remarkable acts of leadership. This movie depicted blacks excelling in the academics -- not just sports and music. This is something that Hollywood does not show often.
Since we’ve watched the movie, my daughter and I have done more research via the Internet to learn more detailed information about Wiley College and the 1935 debate team.
We need to stop finding negativity in everything. Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise and Oprah Winfrey were proud to be a part of this project and have said so in many interviews. Each one of the aforementioned did not have to join this project. However, because they did, and gave it their usual 100 percent, there were many Latinos, whites Asians that came to see this movie. For them, they were able to see that African Americans excelled in the academics prior to desegregation. I do not know about anyone else's experience, but the entire audience (comprised of mostly whites) applauded at the end of the movie.
Jazmyne Young on Jan 07, 2008 at 00:20:44 said:
"Based on a True Story" not "The Actual True Story", while I would implore people to study the history of the actual debate team of Wiley College and their unique accomplishments, I absolutely appreciate the efforts of Oprah and Denzel for coming together to create this work. Especially today when theaters are saturated with typical comedic movies reminiscent of minstrel shows, "The Great Debaters" is one of the few times when we are shown in a major motion picture even the possibility of Black people pursuing education and justice of all things, with honor and dignity. Just as in Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" as compared to the Autobiography of Malcolm X from which the movie was derived, fictitious characters and events were added but it's the spirit of the story and the idea that is inspiring, and for that I appreciate the movie.
tony lee on Jan 06, 2008 at 08:54:59 said:
that's hollywood!
the movie is not a doumentary or even a docudrama. this movie was calculated to be a vehicle to make money by exploiting an emotional topic that could possibly result in large profits and some oscars. as such the writers required broad creative license as the purpose of the film was not to celebrate a small black college or any individual but to entertain and to provoke an awareness of a historical time when blacks achieved great things against the odds.
ophra and denzel are both genuises in their own fields and have done great things for our people... let's chill and celebrate the fact that they brought an obscur event in history to the forefront of mainstream america to demonstrate the great things african-americans have done to show their pride, courage and hardwork contrary to negative mainstream stereotypes. it's all good aight!
Derrick on Jan 05, 2008 at 14:33:00 said:
Tom,
Thank you for articulating exactley what I felt. As a black man, I had no knowledge of the Wiley college debate team nor of any of it\'s participants. Through this film, I have been exposed to some great information. If nothing else, the film encouraged me to go web surfing to get the rest of the story. Eleanore, Your father along with the other noted members are now recognizable names to myself, my wife and my 8yr old son who saw the movie with us and generated some very thought provocing questions. Thanks to Opra, Denzel, Forest and the entire cast and crew for the education. Good thing we have the internet. Now I can seek out the rest of the facts on my own.....
Thomas on Jan 05, 2008 at 10:24:08 said:
I saw the movie last night with my son and husband and thought it was FABULOUS! I am disappointed to learn that these people in general did not exist as the closing credits certainly lead us all to believe they did. In fact, I was so intrigued by the story, that it lead me to the internet today to learn more. I guess that that alone is a good thing, but again, pretty disappointing. I don't believe that in the movie "Titanic" anyone ever suggested that it was an actual true story.
A L on Jan 05, 2008 at 10:17:20 said:
Since when do Americans expect hollywood to play the role of scholar and historian? No ethnic groups in the US can say that they are satisfied with Hollywood portrayal of them and their history. Any Vietnamese in America can easily tell you that they never saw their history told accurately, despite the horror that rained down on their homeland. And they never expect to. Hollywood by definition is the Great Distorter of fact. You either challenge it in its medium - ie. make your own film, documentary - or bare with it.
Tom on Jan 05, 2008 at 09:48:25 said:
dear eleanor,
-->did you have a problem with the facts when you saw "The Titanic" or "Schindler's List?" there is absolutely nothing wrong with the film or the history. if you expected this to be run on PBS' American Experience your comments are valid. this however is not a documentary - nowhere did i see that's how it was intended. as wonderful as the true story and actually participants in the history are, they may not be suitable for a film that is intended to be released in theaters. its important to remember that before the film, few people knew who tolson was, or wiley or of the existence of the team. the filmmakers deserve credit for retaining his vision, spirit and contributions. don't pick it apart - that's not fair. millions of dollars have been spent bringing him and the accomplishments of the team to the attention of the world. the filmmakers, writers and distributors should only be commended.