Race (4½ Stars)

True Stories #4

Name: Jesse Owens

Lived: 12 September 1913 – 31 March 1980

Film dates: 1933 to 1936

Film made in 2016

This is the true story of Jesse James, real name James Cleveland Owens, from his entry into college until his success at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. Jesse was a nickname that came from his initials, J.C.

Jesse came from a poor family in Cleveland, Ohio. He was the youngest of ten children. His family decided to send him to Ohio State University, because of his intelligence. He was the only member of his family to get a college education, and it was a big sacrifice for the family. His father was noticeably grumpy when he leaves home. Maybe he didn't approve? His father's motivation is never explained in the course of the film. Maybe he thought his son should fulfil his family obligations instead of leaving home. Jesse already had a three-year-old daughter when he went to college. He loved the mother of his child and promised to marry her after completing his education.

Whether he was ever educated in college is questionable. As soon as he arrived he was noticed by the athletics coach, Larry Snyder, who helped him refine his already considerable talent as a runner and long jumper. The film gives the impression that he spent all his time training.

The training paid off. On 25 May 1935 he performed a feat that has never been equalled since. Within 45 minutes he set world records for three sports: the long jump, 220 yards sprint and 220 yards hurdles. He became the pride of America.

It wasn't certain that America would participate in the upcoming Olympic Games. There were nationwide protests against the atrocities reported from Germany. It was a close decision. After weeks of discussion, the American Athletic Association decided to take part after a vote of 58 to 56.

The history books tell the tale of what happened in 1936. Jesse Owens won the gold medal in three events: the long jump, the 100 meter sprint and the 200 meter sprint. At the last minute he replaced one of the other runners in the 4 x 100 meter relay team, which America also won, giving him a fourth gold medal.

Jesse made friends with Luz Long, the German long jumper who finished second. Luz was a real sportsman, congratulating Jesse on his victory. They celebrated together in the stadium, which was seen unfavourably by Adolf Hitler and Josef Goebbels. It's interesting to see that Luz was played by the young German actor David Kross, who played the part of Hitler in "The King's Man". I wish I had a photo that I could post as a comparison. A good actor can play any role, whether it's a hero or a villain.

Leni Riefenstahl was the director charged with making the official film about the Olympic Games. Even though she faithfully followed the instructions of her boss, Joseph Goebbels, she included special footage about Jesse Owens.

The film mentions the atrocities of Nazi Germany several times, but it gives a balanced picture. It shows that racism was also widespread in America in the 1930's. Jesse Owens was bullied by white athletes at university, and he was also booed by white people when he took part in athletic events. Even after winning four gold medals at the Olympic Games, he wasn't allowed to enter a hotel through the main door. He had to use the tradesman's entrance. Disgusting!

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