The Great White Hope (film) The Great White Hope (film) The Great White Hope is a 1970 American biographical romantic drama film written and adapted from the Howard Sackler play of the same name. The film was directed by Martin Ritt, starring James Earl Jones, Jane Alexander, Chester Morris, Hal Holbrook, Beah Richards and Moses Gunn. Jones and Alexander, who also appeared in the same roles in the stage versions, both received Best Actor and Actress Academy Award nominations for their performances. The film and play is based on the true story of Jack Johnson and his first wife, Etta Terry Duryea, and the controversy
Ray White (boxer) Ray White (boxer) Ray "Windmill" White (born August 5, 1938) is an American former light heavyweight boxer best known for his unorthodox punches. White fought out of Ventura, California in the 1960s and 1970s. He was a draw in the Los Angeles area, fighting multiple times at the Olympic Auditorium and winning the California State Light Heavyweight title. The tall and lanky White, with his unusual reach advantage, invented several unorthodox punches including the behind the back punch. His popularity led to appearances on national television shows including "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and "The Merv Griffin Show". He