He changed our country… one yard at a time.|Oct. 10, 2008|United States, Germany|130 Min.|PG
Genre: Biography;Drama
Description: *The Express: The Ernie Davis Story* (2008) is a compelling film that follows the life of Ernie Davis, a young African American growing up in Pennsylvania during the late 1940s. Raised by his uncle, Will Davis Jr., and guided by his grandfather, Willie “Pops” Davis, Ernie’s life takes a turn when his mother, Marie Davis, returns to announce she has remarried and can now provide for him in Elmira, New York.
In Elmira, Ernie joins a youth football league, where his talent as a running back quickly becomes evident. His skills catch the attention of Ben Schwartzwalder, the head football coach at Syracuse University, who is searching for a player to fill the void left by graduating star Jim Brown. Impressed by Ernie’s performance at Elmira Free Academy, Schwartzwalder recruits him to join Syracuse.
Ernie’s collegiate career is marked by remarkable achievements, leading Syracuse to numerous victories and an undefeated regular season. The team’s success culminates in their participation in the 1960 Cotton Bowl Classic against the Texas Longhorns. Despite facing challenges such as a leg injury and biased officiating, Ernie’s determination shines through as he scores a pivotal touchdown, securing a Syracuse win and their first national championship.
The film highlights Ernie Davis’s resilience, talent, and the obstacles he overcame, making it an inspiring story of triumph in the face of adversity.
Cast director: Gary Fleder
Cast actor: Rob Brown, Dennis Quaid, Darrin Henson, Omar Benson Miller, Nelsan Ellis, Charles S. Dutton, Justin Martin, Justin Jones, Nicole Beharie, Aunjanue Ellis
Original name: The Express