The Harlem Globetrotters (film)

The Harlem Globetrotters
Dorothy Dandridge and Billy Brown in 1951 theatrical poster.
Directed by	Phil Brown Will Jason
Starring	Thomas Gomez Bill Walker Dorothy Dandridge
Cinematography	Philip Tannura
Edited by	James Sweeney
Music by	Arthur Morton
Distributed by	Columbia Pictures
Release date	October 24, 1951 (1951-10-24)
Running time	78 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English

The Harlem Globetrotters is a 1951 sports drama film about the Harlem Globetrotters, a famous exhibition basketball team. The film was released by Columbia Pictures and stars Thomas Gomez, Bill Walker, Dorothy Dandridge, Angela Clarke and Peter M. Thompson.

Plot

Set during the era of racial segregation that follows the rise of the all-Black Harlem Globetrotters as they fight for respect in professional basketball. At the center of the story is Billy Townsend (Brown), a gifted but uncertain young college player who joins the team seeking direction and opportunity. As the Globetrotters travel the country facing discrimination, unfair treatment, and skepticism from the white-dominated sports world, Billy struggles with personal temptations, fame, and the pressure of representing Black excellence. Through hard-fought games, mentorship from his teammates, and growing discipline, Billy matures into a true team player. Together, the Globetrotters’ talent, unity, and perseverance challenge racist attitudes and help break barriers in professional basketball, securing both Billy’s future and the team’s place in history.

Cast

• Thomas Gomez as Coach Abe Saperstein, The team’s white owner and manager who believes in the Globetrotters’ talent and works to get them games in a segregated sports world.
• Billy Brown as Billy Townsend (Globetrotter), A talented but inexperienced young basketball player who joins the Globetrotters seeking opportunity and identity.
• Dorothy Dandridge as Ann Carpenter, A singer who becomes Billy Townsend’s romantic interest.
• Angela Clarke as Sylvia Saperstein, Abe Saperstein’s wife, who serves as a steady, supportive presence behind the scenes.
• Peter M. Thompson as Martin
• Bill Walker as Professor. Turner, Baltimore State College professor and mentor figure in the film who plays an important guiding role in Billy Townsend’s life.
• Roscoe Cumberland as Roscoe (Globetrotter)
• William 'Pop' Gates as 'Pop' Gates (Globetrotter), A veteran player and leader on the team who acts as a mentor to Billy.
• Marques Haynes as Marques Haynes (Globetrotter), A highly skilled and confident player known for his ball-handling and leadership on the court.
• Louis 'Babe' Pressley as 'Babe' Pressley (Globetrotter)
• Ermer Robinson as Elmer Robinson (Globetrotter)
• Ted Strong as Ted Strong (Globetrotter)
• Reece 'Goose' Tatum as 'Goose' Tatum (Globetrotter)
• Frank Washington as Frank Washington (Globetrotter)
• Clarence Wilson as Clarence Wilson (Globetrotter)

See also

• List of basketball films

External links

• The Harlem Globetrotters at IMDb
• A link to the feature on TCM's website ^{[ dead link ]}