Charles S. Dutton is one of the few individuals who can go from acting in a film, and then direct a different film, and he doesn't have to be in it. Clint Eastwood is another fellow who does the same and that puts Dutton in good company. Dutton has also performed on Broadway many times and is currently showcasing his theater skills in LA.
While folks can see him live on stage now in his one man show called 'From Jail to Yale... Serving Time on Stage', others can see him on the big screen in 'The Express'.
Based on the incredible true story, The Express follows the inspirational life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the first African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Following his draft by the NFL, tragedy struck the star athlete and he was never able to take the professional field. But his tale would forever change the face of professional sports. Dutton plays his grandfather, Willie 'Pops' Davis.
In speaking with Dutton, he spoke about his recollection of Ernie Davis and what his legend brought to others.
What attracted you to the film?
Charles S. Dutton: Well, I knew the Ernie Davis story, and I thought it was a long overdue story due to be told about a wonderful and gifted man. It was really a great role to play his granddad. It was a different role for me. Once I saw who else was in the cast, I really got excited to do it. I think it's a compelling story and I think it could serve as a example of one should conduct themselves, particularly in the world of sports.
How much of Ernie's story did know before this project came to you?
CD: I knew just about everything. I knew he was the first black to win the Heisman Trophy. I don't remember the 1959 game. I was only 9 years old. I remember when he was drafted by the Cleveland Browns. I remember the stories about his illness. I remember the picture he took with President Kennedy. The reason most people didn't hear of Ernie Davis is because most Heisman winners don't do well in the pros and they become forgotten. Had Ernie lived enough and played with Jim Brown, the question would have been who was the greatest running back? Jim Brown or Ernie Davis? Ernie past away before he could play professional ball and his history fell into obscurity. This is a great story about a guy who went through a lot and did so without anger. To hear some of the guys from the '59 team, and these guys are well into their 70s now, they still swell up in tears when talking about Ernie. You just know he had to be a special young man.
What frame of reference did you use to play the grandfather?
CD: Once I read the script, I just thought that this guy had to be some special that Ernie looked up to. To have a speech impediment, the granddad knew that Ernie deserved special attention. Otherwise, Ernie would have gone through life without confidence. He couldn't communicate. To play this character the right way, you have to play him with a sense of patience and with gentleness. I had friends who had a speech impediment and they got ridiculed a lot. The role needed to be played in a tender way.
What did you think of Rob's performance as Ernie Davis?
CD: I though Rob was the perfect choice. Rob is a smart young man and a natural film actor. I enjoyed working with him. I thought he was terrific.
Did you talk to Jim Brown about the film?
CD: Yes, I've known Jim Brown a long time. Jim handled his struggles in one way and Ernie in another way, but he wasn't like Jim. I don't think Syracuse could have handled another Jim Brown. Jim and Floyd Little, the running back who came after Ernie, spoke of him in glowing ways. To hear those guys talk about him you could feel the presence of the man. It made you know what kind of special person he was.
What makes 'The Express' more than just a sports film?
CD: It's about family. It's about American society. I was in a sports film before with 'Rudy' and I think this is a better film than that one. 'Rudy' was about an individual. This is about society. This is about a time period that a lot of generations don't even know about; or can't comprehend what this guy went through. This film pulls at your heartstrings. It pulls at the aspect of a tragic soul.
What's next for you?
CD: I have a film coming up next February. A film I did with Dennis Quaid. It's our second film together. It's called 'Legion'. I'm also in development with several thing with HBO. You will hear more of me next year. I have a one man show in LA called 'From Jail to Yale... Serving Time on Stage'. It's a narrative on my personal life, mixed with a medley of themes from all 3 great playwrights that I perform.
Why should anyone see 'The Express'?
CD: I would say to go see the film more than once. It's a great story about an American. If you want a moving experience, and laugh and cry, while watching a film, 'The Express' is the movie to see.
