Movie: The Express (2008)
“This biopic focuses on the relationship of Ernie Davis (1939-1963), a gifted African-American athlete, and his coach from 1958 to 1962 at Syracuse University, Ben Schwartzwalder (1909-1993). Schwartzwalder recruits Davis with the help of All-American running back, Jim Brown. The civil rights movement is gaining steam; Davis experiences prejudice on campus, in town, and on the field, sometimes from teammates. How he handles it and how he challenges Schwartzwalder to stand up for his players provide a counterpoint to several great seasons that lead first to a national championship and then to the Heismann Trophy. Written by {jhailey@hotmail.com}”
- Director: Gary Fleder
- Release Date: 10 October 2008 (USA)
- Run Time: 130 min
- Country: USA , Germany
- Genre: Biography , Drama , Sport
- MPAA: Rated PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality. (edited from PG-13 version)
Goofs: Factual errors: The National Championship in 59 was awarded prior to the Bowl Games, so the speech about “whichever bowl we accept we will be National Champions if we win” was a moot point. It was just about defending the pollster’s choice at that point. It was the final regular season game against UCLA (which just beat #4 USC) that earned them the National Championship. The movie pays no attention to this game (which was broadcast on national TV) except to show the post game celebration.