Based on a true story, “The Express” follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. His fight for equality and respect forever changed the face of American sports, and his story continued to inspire new generations.
Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), he become a hero who superseded Jim Brown’s achievements and records that stand to this day.
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| Rob Brown stars as Ernie Davis in "The Express". |
Decorated veteran Schwartzwalder was a Southerner with a single vision of a national championship and hardened ideas about how the world worked. But though he and Davis had their differences, Schwartzwalder taught his star player everything he knew about football, just as Davis helped him learn the true meaning of victory.
As the growing civil rights movement divided the country in the ‘60’s, Davis became a symbol for achievement that transcended race. Refusing to flinch from others’ prejudices, he achieved all his goals – until he faced a challenge that would make most men crumble. He joined the ranks of black pioneers by teaching a generation tolerance, inspiring a movement that smashed barriers on and off the field.
PRINCIPAL CAST
Ernie Davis – Rob Brown
Ben Schwartzwalder – Dennis Quaid
Ernie’s grandfather – Charles Dutton
Jack Buckley – Omar Benson Miller
Jim Brown – Darrin Dewitt Henson
Roy Simmons, Sr. – Clancy Brown
Bob Lundy – Geoff Stults
Lou Andreas – Chelcie Ross
PRINCIPAL CREW
Director – Gary Fleder
Producer – John Davis
Executive Producers – Derek Dauchy, Arne Schmidt
Writers – Charles Leavitt, Scott Williams, Jeffrey Leiber
Director of Photography – Kramer Morgenthau
Editors – William Steinkamp, Padriac McKinley
Production Designer – Nelson Coates
Production Company – Davis Entertainment
Studio – Universal Pictures
Complete cast and crew credits available at:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0469903/
