The Great White Hope — The John DeCuir Production Design Studies Center

YEAR: 1970

SUMMARY

Boxer Jack Jefferson is the world’s reigning heavyweight boxing champion. There’s just one problem, he is also the first black heavyweight champion, and that bothers a lot of people. Jack’s celebration is cut short, as Jack is framed for crossing a state line with Eleanor, his white fiance, a violation of the Mann Act. Facing a prison sentence, Jack escapes to Europe, with Eleanor in tow, encountering problems in England, and then France, and eventually landing in Cuba. In Havana, Jack agrees to enter the boxing ring for what might be the bout of his life. Both Jones and Alexander were nominated for Oscars