Spring Break
The Daily Orange'Express' movie will premiere in Syracuse's Landmark Theater
By John Clayton
Posted: 7/9/08, 5:34 PM EST Section: News
A legendary football talent and civil rights pioneer, Ernie Davis' story has long been a part of Syracuse lore.
Now, Universal Pictures and Syracuse University have struck a deal to make sure the movie chronicling Davis life will premiere in Syracuse.
"The Express" will premiere at the Landmark Theater on Salina Street in downtown Syracuse on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The announcement was made Wednesday at a press conference at the Landmark.
The movie will debut nationwide on Oct. 3.
The "orange carpet" premiere will be the highlight of a weekend of festivities, including a gala theme party following the film and a ceremony commemorating Davis at halftime of the Syracuse-Penn State football game the next day.
"We're elated the studio has chosen Syracuse to host the premiere," Syracuse Director of Athletics Daryl Gross said. "We intend to embrace this extraordinary moment to honor the legacy of Ernie Davis and provide a unique, star-studded showcase to launch this extraordinary film. Ernie is the most endearing icon we have in a storied football program so rich in talent and tradition. It's truly fitting that his life story will be immortalized on film."
Davis, nicknamed "The Elmira Express," was a tailback at Syracuse from 1958-1961. He led the Orange to its only national title in 1959, and two years later became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
Davis was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft that year. But before he played an NFL game, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, and passed away on May 18, 1963, at the age of 23.
"Ernie Davis is a true American hero," Chancellor Nancy Cantor said in a press release. "While his legacy is not as well known, he played an important role in shaping the American conscience, just as Jackie Robinson did. Thanks to 'The Express,' Ernie's legacy and inspirational life story will find the audience and appreciation it deserves."
All the principle stars of the film - including Rob Brown ("Finding Forrester"), who plays Davis, and Dennis Quaid ("The Rookie"), who plays legendary SU coach Ben Schwartzwalder - will attend the screening. The stars of the film will arrive at the Landmark in classic automobiles, while bleachers will be set up on Salina Street for the public to watch.
Now, Universal Pictures and Syracuse University have struck a deal to make sure the movie chronicling Davis life will premiere in Syracuse.
"The Express" will premiere at the Landmark Theater on Salina Street in downtown Syracuse on Friday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. The announcement was made Wednesday at a press conference at the Landmark.
The movie will debut nationwide on Oct. 3.
The "orange carpet" premiere will be the highlight of a weekend of festivities, including a gala theme party following the film and a ceremony commemorating Davis at halftime of the Syracuse-Penn State football game the next day.
"We're elated the studio has chosen Syracuse to host the premiere," Syracuse Director of Athletics Daryl Gross said. "We intend to embrace this extraordinary moment to honor the legacy of Ernie Davis and provide a unique, star-studded showcase to launch this extraordinary film. Ernie is the most endearing icon we have in a storied football program so rich in talent and tradition. It's truly fitting that his life story will be immortalized on film."
Davis, nicknamed "The Elmira Express," was a tailback at Syracuse from 1958-1961. He led the Orange to its only national title in 1959, and two years later became the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy.
Davis was selected first overall by the Cleveland Browns in the NFL Draft that year. But before he played an NFL game, he was diagnosed with Leukemia, and passed away on May 18, 1963, at the age of 23.
"Ernie Davis is a true American hero," Chancellor Nancy Cantor said in a press release. "While his legacy is not as well known, he played an important role in shaping the American conscience, just as Jackie Robinson did. Thanks to 'The Express,' Ernie's legacy and inspirational life story will find the audience and appreciation it deserves."
All the principle stars of the film - including Rob Brown ("Finding Forrester"), who plays Davis, and Dennis Quaid ("The Rookie"), who plays legendary SU coach Ben Schwartzwalder - will attend the screening. The stars of the film will arrive at the Landmark in classic automobiles, while bleachers will be set up on Salina Street for the public to watch.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Disgruntled
posted 7/10/08 @ 12:32 AM EST
This is great for Syracuse and the University. Too bad Barry Wells will not be able to use this event for a photo opportunity. After all, I am sure Barry Wells will take the credit for this happening. (Continued…)
Title
posted 8/02/08 @ 7:49 PM EST
Why did the filmmakers to Elmira out of the title? It;s a disservice to Davis' hometown and will be a disservice to the legacy of the film.
Title
posted 8/02/08 @ 7:50 PM EST
Why did the filmmakers take Elmira out of the title? It's a disservice to Davis' hometown and will be a disservice to the legacy of the film.
Post a Comment