What Is Passing Glory About?
The premise of Passing Glory in 303 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
In the simmering heat of 1960s New Orleans, a city divided by segregation and simmering tension, the story unfolds around an unlikely arena: a high school basketball court. The streets pulse with the clatter of streetcars and the echo of jazz, while separate lines at diners remind everyone of the invisible walls that structure daily life. Into this world steps a defiant priest, determined to prove that talent and dignity cannot be confined by color.
The priest, embodied by Father Verrett, carries the weight of his congregation’s expectations and the simmering anger of a community that has been told to stay in its place. He clashes with his own parish’s hierarchy, embodied by the stern figure of the parish leader, whose cautious counsel threatens to quell the dream. Undeterred, Father Verrett reaches beyond the pulpit, assembling a group of Black teenagers whose raw skill on the court mirrors the broader struggle for equal footing in a city that refuses to see them as anything but “colored.”
Across town, a new arrival—Father Perry, a history teacher recruited with the intention of keeping the boys in line—brings an ironic twist to the narrative. Though he claims to prioritize education over athletics, his own bafflement at the South’s “should” versus “is” reveals the deep cultural chasms even within the clergy. His interactions with the players hint at a complex dance between mentorship, discipline, and an emerging respect for the very spirit he initially doubts.
Together, these figures create a tense yet hopeful tableau where basketball becomes more than a game; it is a quiet battlefield where pride, faith, and the yearning for integration pulse beneath every dribble. The film’s tone balances gritty realism with an undercurrent of optimism, inviting the audience to feel the weight of history while sensing the possibility of change on the horizon.
What Happens in Passing Glory?
The complete story of Passing Glory, from the first scene to the last, in 234 words (about 1 minute). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 2 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
In 1960s New Orleans, Andre Braugher, a fiery Josephite priest, goes against the wishes of his parish leader, Rip Torn, as he pushes for a historic basketball game between his unbeaten all-black team and an undefeated all-white prep school. This is based on the true story of the first integrated basketball game in the history of New Orleans. The plot follows the events leading up to the game between the Josephites’ all-black St. Augustine High School and all-white Jesuit High, focusing on the struggles that the priest faces in trying to pull the game off and earn respect for his team.
Hired as a history teacher, the priest will not let the athletes in his classes be given the special treatment that they’ve been used to.
I teach history, he informs the headmaster when asked to take over the suddenly vacant position of basketball coach.
I believe sports are overemphasized.
Moreover, coming from the North, he can’t understand why star black athletes don’t go to the best white colleges, as they should. The dad of the team’s star informs him, painting a stark picture of the social climate the players navigate daily.
The film includes many tangible examples of the racism then present.
The blacks have to go to a separate “coloreds only” line at fast food outlets, and ordering a meal in the wrong place can and does get you thrown in jail.
Passing Glory Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
14 key events in the order they happen, from “Setting: New Orleans, 1960s” to “Ongoing struggle and progress”. 14 events name a place, across 7 locations.
- 1
Setting: New Orleans, 1960s
In 1960s New Orleans, racial segregation shapes everyday life and institutions. The city is divided along racial lines, and schools, dining, and public spaces reflect inequality. The story centers on the drive to stage the first integrated high school basketball game between St. Augustine (all-black) and Jesuit (all-white).
When:1960s Where:New Orleans, Louisiana
- 2
Father Verrett's resolve to change the system
Seeing talented Black students denied opportunities, he resolves to push for change through sports. He believes basketball can earn his players respect and open doors they have long been denied.
When:Early 1960s Where:St. Augustine High School, New Orleans
- 3
History teacher turned de facto coach
Hired as a history teacher, he is asked to take over the suddenly vacant basketball coaching job. He tells the headmaster, 'I teach history,' signaling his insistence on merit and equality rather than special treatment.
When:Early 1960s Where:St. Augustine High School, New Orleans
- 4
Plan to pursue an integrated game
Despite initial resistance, he pushes forward with a plan to schedule a game against the undefeated all-white Jesuit High School. The match is framed as a test of merit and courage that could challenge the local power structure.
When:Mid-1960s Where:New Orleans, Louisiana
- 5
Parish leadership pushes back
The parish leader opposes the plan to play an integrated game and attempts to derail it through institutional pressure. The coach remains steadfast, arguing that fairness and ability—not tradition—should guide decisions.
When:Mid-1960s Where:St. Augustine Parish / New Orleans
- 6
Racism surfaces in daily life
Racism is no longer confined to whispers; blacks are forced to use 'coloreds only' lines at fast-food outlets and stores. The athletes and their families face humiliations and occasional danger simply for crossing lines that segregation has drawn.
When:Mid-1960s Where:New Orleans, local restaurants and shops
- 7
Star player's father reflects on opportunity
The father articulates the gulf between potential and opportunity in the region, reminding everyone that in the South, 'should' and 'is' are far apart. He underscores why simply being gifted does not guarantee access to the best colleges or teams.
When:Mid-1960s Where:St. Augustine High School area / home
- 8
Training and team cohesion under pressure
The coach builds the Black team's discipline and teamwork, demanding merit and hard work. The players push through doubt and hostility, gradually earning the coach's trust and their own confidence.
When:Mid-1960s Where:St. Augustine gym, New Orleans
- 9
Community reaction and support grows
Support from some church leaders and families grows as the plan gains visibility, while others remain wary of the risks. The project becomes a touchstone for broader debates about race and equality in the city.
When:Mid-1960s Where:New Orleans, Louisiana
- 10
The game is scheduled against Jesuit High
A date is set for the landmark game, turning the match into a public test of integration and character. The buildup centers on symbol and consequence as much as on points scored.
When:Game week, 1960s Where:Jesuit High School gym, New Orleans
Show the other 4 events of Passing Glory Hide the last 4 events
- 11
Game day arrives
The court becomes a stage for the broader fight over civil rights, with players, coaches, and fans facing intense scrutiny. The game itself becomes a powerful statement about dignity, perseverance, and equality.
When:Game day, 1960s Where:Jesuit High School gym, New Orleans
- 12
Impact of the game extends beyond the score
The result matters less than the symbolic breakthrough, as the match sparks conversations and changes attitudes in the community. The Black players gain recognition for their skill and resolve, and the coach earns wider respect.
When:Following game, 1960s Where:New Orleans, Louisiana
- 13
Legacy for players and coach
The integrated game becomes a watershed moment in New Orleans sports history, fueling future generations to pursue opportunities once closed to them. The coach's principled stand leaves a lasting impression on his students and the community.
When:Post-1960s Where:New Orleans, Louisiana
- 14
Ongoing struggle and progress
Racism does not disappear overnight, but the film frames the game as a meaningful step toward equality. The event preserves hope for continued progress and the ongoing fight for respect and opportunity.
When:1960s onward Where:New Orleans, Louisiana
Who Are the Main Characters in Passing Glory?
6 characters, among them Father Joseph Verrett (Andre Braugher), Father Robert Grant (Rip Torn) and Howard Porter (Bill Nunn): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- FJ
Father Joseph Verrett (Andre Braugher)
Played by Andre Braugher
An angry yet principled Josephite priest who pushes for the integration of the basketball program, challenging his parish leader. He believes that sports can serve as a vehicle for equality, while maintaining a strong moral center. His stubborn resolve puts him at odds with authority and exposes the complexities of pursuing justice within a conflicted community.
- 👤 Priest
- 🏛️ Rebel
- 🗣️ Leader
-
Father Robert Grant (Rip Torn)
Played by Rip Torn
The parish leader who resists the push for integration, standing as the voice of tradition and control. He weighs potential backlash and the risk to the parish’s standing, often putting the status quo above immediate change. His stance embodies the old guard's challenge to reform in a racially charged environment.
- 👤 Authority
- 🧭 Conservatism
- 🗯️ Conflict
- HP
Howard Porter (Bill Nunn)
Played by Bill Nunn
The father of the team's star, he balances pride in his son's talent with concern for safety and community reaction. He embodies the tension between supporting a young athlete's dreams and protecting the family from potential repercussions. His perspective highlights the personal stakes behind the social upheaval.
- 👤 Parent
- 🛡️ Protection
- 🏈 Support
- MP
Mommit Porter (Ruby Dee)
Played by Ruby Dee
A maternal figure who anchors the family amidst pressure and uncertainty. She offers emotional steadiness and practical hope, reinforcing the idea that family and community stand behind the younger generation. Her presence emphasizes resilience in the face of discrimination.
- 👤 Family
- 💪 Resilience
- 🧵 Support
- SL
Snow Lurcher (Damien Dante Wayans)
Played by Damien Dante Wayans
A member of the school community whose presence reflects the era's social atmosphere and the everyday experiences of students amid tension. His role contributes to the film’s sense of community and the personal stakes of the coming game. He embodies the everyday reality of students navigating a segregated world.
- 👤 Student
- 🧭 Social Context
- 🏫 School Life
- P/
Principal / Dancer (Kyle Massey)
Played by Kyle Massey
A character who represents the school’s leadership and cultural life, showcasing how students carry responsibility both in academics and community events. The dual role hints at a broader range of duties within the school environment during a time of change. He underscores the blend of discipline and celebration characteristic of school life in this era.
- 👤 Student/Administrator
- 🕺 Culture
- 🧭 Community
Where and When Is Passing Glory Set?
Passing Glory is set in New Orleans, Louisiana, St. Augustine High School and Jesuit High School (1960s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1960s
The events take place during the civil rights era in the American South, a time of mounting pressure for desegregation and social reform. The atmosphere is charged with confrontation between old norms and new demands for equality. The basketball game serves as a focal point for the broader struggle for dignity and fair treatment.
Where
New Orleans, Louisiana, St. Augustine High School, Jesuit High School
New Orleans, Louisiana provides the setting with a rich cultural backdrop and a history of racial tensions in the 1960s. The story centers on two Catholic schools, St. Augustine High School for Black students and Jesuit High School for White students, around a pivotal basketball game. Everyday scenes—like separate dining lines for Blacks and Whites—illustrate the harsh realities of segregation during this era.
- 🧭 Racism
- 🏀 Sports
- ✝️ Faith
What Are the Themes of Passing Glory?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Racism, Integration and Faith and Leadership.
-
01
Racism
Racial prejudice shapes daily life and power dynamics, forcing Black athletes to navigate second-class treatment even as they pursue excellence in sports. The film exposes discriminatory practices in public spaces and institutional settings, highlighting the risks of challenging the status quo. Characters must balance fear with the demand for dignity and equal respect.
-
02
Integration
The narrative centers on breaking the color barrier through an integrated basketball game, challenging entrenched norms in a divided city. The push for unity puts pressure on schools, clergy, and families to confront legitimacy, authority, and public perception. Community support and courage become the key ingredients for meaningful change.
-
03
Faith and Leadership
The story explores how faith and moral conviction drive social change, embodied by the priestly figures who navigate conflict with authority. Leadership is tested as tradition clashes with progress, demanding difficult choices and strategic compromise. The intertwining of religious duty and civil rights aims reveals how belief systems can catalyze justice and reform.
What Kind of Film Is Passing Glory?
Hopeful in tone, with steady pacing and a straightforward story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Hopeful
- Pacing
- Steady
- Story
- Straightforward
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
An inspiring and socially conscious drama that builds steady tension as determined characters challenge segregation through basketball, culminating in a hopeful historical triumph.
- hopeful
- determined
- inspiring
- tense
- historical
- socially conscious
- racial integration
- basketball
- civil rights
- social justice
Content notes: racial segregation, racial discrimination.
Quiz
How well do you remember Passing Glory? Test yourself on the story.
