“The Express” review

The true story of Ernie Davis, two-time All-American running back for Syracuse University who led his team to the national championship in 1960. In 1961, he became the first black man to win the Heisman Trophy.

Later that year, he was the first pick in the NFL draft. But Davis never got the chance to play professional football, he was diagnosed with leukemia during the summer of 1962 and died nearly a year later.

Also Known As: Ernie Davis Story and The Ernie Davis Story

Logline:
Based on the life of college football superstar Ernie Davis, who, in 1961, became the first black man to win the Heisman trophy. He went first in the NFL draft, but didn't play after being diagnosed with Leukemia.

Actors
Dennis Quaid: Ben Schwartzwalder
Rob Brown: Ernie Davis
Nelsan Ellis: Will Davis
Kris Wolff: Groundskeeper
Darrin DeWitt Henson: Jim Brown
Charles S. Dutton: Willie "Pops" Davis
Geoff Stults: Bob Lundy
Aunjanue Ellis: Marie Davis
Evan Jones: Roger "Hound Dog" Davis

Omar Benson: Jack Buckley
Gary Houston: Marty Harrigan
Ned Schmidtke: Bill Clark
Chadwick A. Boseman: Floyd Little
Nicole Behaire: Sarah Ward
Clancy Brown: Roy Simmons
Saul Rubinek: Art Modell
Danny McCarthy (II): Bill Bell
Chelcie Ross: Lew Andreas
Craig Hawksley: George Marshall
Jeff Still: Al Malette
Derek Graf: Maury Youmans
Matt Trissel: Clay Taylor

Chad L. Stevens: Peter Logan
David Darlow (II): Cotton Bowl Official
Michael Skewes: Cotton Bowl Referee
Keith Kupferer: Small Fry Coach
Tim Grimm: W Virginia Coach
Matthew Settle: President Kennedy
Lance Baker: Reporter
Christian Stolte: Dan Boyle
Douglas James: CBS Announcer
Linara Washington: Gloria Baker
Kevin R. Kelly: Man in Dark Suit
Bruce Jarchow: Dr Hewlett
Ridge Canipe: Gang Leader
Paul Turner (III): Longhorn Scout
Darryl Warren: Heisman Official
Brian Mahoney: Buffalo Doctor
Philip Rayburn Smith (II): Business Lawyer
Will Zahrn: Doctor

Phillip Edward VanLear: NAACP Member
Richard Henzel: W Virginia Booster
James Anthony Zocolli: W Virginia Heckler
Eddie Bo Smith Jr: Dallas Bellhop
Jeff Christian: Syracuse Trainer
Victor Cole: Hotel Worker
William Dick: Heisman Man in Suit
Sam Derence: Sports Reporter
Brian Boland: Cleveland Browns Asst Coach
Allan Graf: W Virginia Referee
Kevin Stark: Reporter
Kurt Naebig: Reporter
Ernest Perry Jr: Preacher
Ed Smaron: Play-by-Play Announcer
Dan Flannery (II): Hot Shot
Barry Tolli: Elmira Free Academy Quarterback
Lonnie Brooks: Singer

Directors: Gary Fleder

Production Status: In Production/Awaiting Release

Genres: Drama, Adaptation, Biopic and Sports
Running Time: 2 hr. 10 min.
Release Date: October 10th, 2008 (wide)
MPAA Rating: PG for thematic content, violence and language involving racism, and for brief sensuality.
Distributors: Universal Pictures
Production Co.: Davis Entertainment, Relativity Media
Studios: Universal Pictures
Filming Locations: Chicago, Illinois USA
Produced in: United States

"The Express" Promotional Video

"The Express" Official Trailer

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