A multisport high school star in elmira, new york, davis went on to syracuse university, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in 1959, and earned his nickname. Gary fleder does more than that in telling the story of ernie davis the elmira express, the running back for syracuse who became the first africanamerican to win the heisman trophy, in 1961. This biopic focuses on the relationship of ernie davis 19391963, a gifted africanamerican athlete, and his coach from 1958 to 1962 at syracuse university, ben schwartzwalder 19091993. Gallagher which was originally published on june 1st, 1999. Gallaghers book illustrates the great affection for ernie davis as more than 10,000 mourners filed by his coffin as it lay in state in elmira, ny. Ernie davis was an allamerican on the gridiron and a man of integrity off the field. The express 2008 cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. The basis for the universal pictures film the express, robert c. A motion picture biography, the express, directed by gary fleder and based on the nonfiction book the elmira express. An enduring story of a true scholarathlete, the express is a touching, impeccably researched, deeply personal portrait of ernie davis, and a vivid. The ernie davis story, on which the movie is based. The express he could do it all, beat every opponent.
The storyline was ernie davis, the elmira express, is. This movie, starring rob brown and dennis quaid, portrays how life was back in the 60s with racial prejudice against black football players as they traveled. The film is based on the life of syracuse university football player ernie davis, the first african american to win the. The formula is basic and durable, and when you hitch it to a good story, you can hardly fail.
The ernie davis story from the worlds largest community of readers. An enduring story of a true scholarathlete, the express is a touching, impeccably researched, deeply personal portrait of ernie davis, and a vivid look at. Ernie davis life story is chronicled in a novel called ernie davis. The ernie davis story 9780345510860 by gallagher, robert c. Gallagher is an extremely inspiring and motivating book.
Download for offline reading, highlight, bookmark or take notes while you read the express. He was drafted by the cleveland browns, but never played a down in the nfl because he was diagnosed with leukemia soon after. Free shipping and pickup in store on eligible orders. Here, in this special anniversary edition, is the original, enduring story of ernie davis as told by those who were closest to him.
Based on the incredible true story, the express follows the inspirational life of college football hero ernie davis rob brown, the first africanamerican to win the heisman trophy. Kennedy to eulogize him as an outstanding man of great character. Robert c gallagher a portrait of the legendary football star who broke jim browns rushing records and became the first black athlete to win the heisman trophy highlights his athletic career and his battle with the. The express is involving and inspiring in the way a good movie about sports almost always is. In battling his illness, davis showed great dignity and courage, inspired the nation, and moved president john f. The story of a heisman trophy winner was written by robert c. This is a wonderful story about the late, great, ernie davis.
Inspiring scene at the end of the movie the express story of ernie davis. The storyline was conceived from a screenplay written by charles leavitt from a book titled ernie davis. Better known as the elmira express, ernie was the first black heisman trophy winner back in 1961 for syracuse university. He left his legacy behind as he was the first african american to win the heisman trophy, the most glorified award in college football. Gallagher, gives great detail about the courageous athlete from elmira, ny.
Gallagher is an alumnus of syracuse university and a freelance sportswriter. The 2008 universal pictures film the express, based on the nonfiction book ernie davis. Gallagher s definitive biography is a story of outstanding athletic achievement and greatness. Gallagher, helped keep davis memory alive by exposing new generations of. The elmira express it is here for all of us to savor. The ernie davis story offers discussion topics, writing activities and service project ideas for youth ages 18 based on the central themes in the book and the movie. Gallagher is one of the most heart shifting stories and it will definately change your outlook on sports, and how ernie davis affected sports today. The ernie davis story book online at best prices in india on.
Gallaghers definitive biography is a story of outstanding athletic achievement and greatness. The ernie davis story is a 2008 american sports film produced by john davis and directed by gary fleder. Schwartzwalder recruits davis with the help of allamerican running back, jim brown. His articles have appeared in baseball digest, the washington post, the redskins report, and other publications. The ernie davis story, directed by gary fleder and based on the nonfiction book the elmira express. The express is the story of ernie davis, the 1961 heisman trophy winning running back from syracuse. Nor is there mention of any west virginia ruckus in robert c. In america in the late 1950s and early 60s, one young man became a symbol for a country grappling to move. Gallagher, began production in april 2007 and was released on october 10, 2008. A multisport high school star in elmira, new york, davis went on to syracuse university, where as a sophomore he led his team to an undefeated season and a national championship in. Following his draft by the nfl, tragedy struck the star athlete and he was never able to take the professional field. Having played on film the likes of singer jerry lee lewis, astronaut gordon cooper and gunslinger doc holliday, dennis quaid knows that the practice of. Universal pictures made a film the express on the same book which began production on april. It is the basis for the upcoming movie of the same name and has.
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