Product Details

• Actors: James Earl Jones
• Directors: Lloyd Richards
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: January 25, 2005
• Run Time: 115 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0006SSQ1G
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #96,784 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

James Earl Jones gives the performance of a lifetime in this one-man-show as singer/actor/activist Paul Robeson, whose controversial political views ended his career prematurely. Paul Robeson was a man of extraordinary versatility and achieved distinction as both a scholar and an athlete before he became an internationally-honored concert artist, and stage and screen actor, in the 1930s and 40s. His life took a darker turn in the late 40s when he repeatedly spoke out against racial injustice and defended the Soviet Union (at the height of the Cold War). As a result, he was virtually blacklisted from the entertainment industry. His passport was revoked and his concerts were cancelled. His dazzling career was shattered. Only towards the end of his life did he resume public appearances and his fame began to revive. He died in 1976. James Earl Jones is outstanding, with only a few props and a bare stage, in portraying Robeson's life and truly heroic spirit, with a magnificent performance that matches the remarkable subject.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A truly incredible performance, March 28, 2006

By	Gerard D. Launay (Berkeley, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Today the legend of Paul Robeson is not so well known, but
thirty to forty years ago he was recognized as a giant. Here is a man who performed serious roles in the movies, most rare for Black actors in the 1930'and 1940's. Robeson's singing of African American folk spirituals is second to none. Paul Robeson became a lawyer, an actor, an activist and was rather fluent in several languages. (But in response to Jim Crow racism, he turned to socialism for an answer...a political choice that many have never forgiven)

James Earl Jones performs Robeson masterfully...indeed Jones is probably the only Black actor who is big enough to fill the role. I hope more people learn about this thought provoking film.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a nice introduction to a complicated man..., September 20, 2006

By	William E. Adams (Midland, Texas USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Paul Robeson has always fascinated me, especially for his singing, although he certainly had many flaws, not the least of which was his stubborn defense of the Soviet Union long after its government was exposed as a pack of mass murderers. However, he was a superstar of the first half of the 20th century, and James Earl Jones does him justice in this one-man show. Paul's only child, Paul Junior, did not like this script when it came out 30 years ago, but I can't understand why. This one has a great actor playing a great actor, singer, activist and athlete. My son gave this to me recently in return for some babysitting, and it replaces a ruined audiotape I had made of the show when it was televised on PBS in the late '70's. I am delighted to have it.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, March 10, 2009

By	Pat Elvin "dabbler" (Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is one very talented man portraying another very talented man. I was riveted. The only thing wrong is that it ended far too soon.