Product Details

• Actors: Ray Cristensen, Bill Youngdahl, Ernie Chambers
• Directors: Barbara Connell, William C. Jersey
• Format: Black & White, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Vision Video
• VHS Release Date: October 23, 1995
• Run Time: 58 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303891217
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #613,990 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

An extremely passionate and moving documentary, William C. Jersey's A Time for Burning explores the civil rights issue from one of the least likely of vantage points--a white, middle-class congregation in Nebraska--and reveals some of the more powerful observations about race and equality to come out of the '60s. Jersey's focal point is the Reverend L. William Youngdahl, who attempts to inspire his parishioners--all white and Lutheran--to reach out and make a connection with black Lutherans in the state. Youngdahl quickly finds himself at the center of a conflict that mirrors the nationwide struggle, with representatives from the church, community, and protest movements speaking for and against his desire to unite those of a common faith. Rejected by all three networks, Burning's unflinching exploration of the state of race relations in the United States and the human heart earned it an Academy Award nomination in 1968, and a place on the National Film Registry in 2005. The DVD includes commentary by and a biography on Jersey, as well as an update on activist Ernie Chambers, who is featured in the film. -- Paul Gaita

Special message from Bill Jersey, producer and director of A Time for Burning:

“With our new (and beautiful) Black presidential family we are tempted to say - the Battle for Black Civil rights has been won. I believe with our President "Old hatreds cannot last" BUT-- as we explored in A Time for Burning-(1965) nothing is as simple as it may seem. In this (my) film about Black /white relations one Church member reminds us (to prove there is no racism in his school) that--"I had a negro in my locker room”. "Burning" has no fire hoses -no teeth baring dogs- and no policeman with truncheons --just one angry Black barber and nice-really nice -white folks saying "we want them to have everything we have- we just can't sit next to them" (in church ). Ultimately- the Churches white minister is forced to resign. When I showed the film at NYU last fall- once again as it has for 43 years the film provoked the response that earned it an Oscar nomination and installation in the permanent Archive of the library of congress: "great story- still relevant”. In my view Burning retains its power because it prompts reflection - and reminds us -- that racism is not the province of mad men or extremists alone- it exists in all of us AND- to see it- is the first step in liberation from it. The time for change IS now- and BUT we, Obama reminds us, must work together to make it real!! So-Thank you Docurama for making Burning available and thanks to you who will extend its reach." 

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A CHURCH CONFRONTS RACISM, April 1, 2001

By 

Bonita L. Davis - See all my reviews

This review is from: Time for Burning [VHS] (VHS Tape)

How does a church respond in a time when the country is exploding over the question of civil rights? The answer can be found in this documentary film of one church's response to the crisis. Filmed in 1966, the leaders of Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska share with us their fears, hypocrasy, and racial prejudice as they come to grips with the social reality of their times.

The pastor of the church makes the first move in listening to the voices of Blacks in Omaha who bluntly tell him the truth of what is going on. Moved by their words he challenges the church's social committee to initiate a ministry that can bring understanding and reconciliation among the groups.

In watching this film you will witness the process of how a white church attempts to come to face the weakness of their faith, sense of justice and fears of reaching out. Every small step that they take is done with caution but they try. We see a church for the first time being confronted with the reality of what it means to be a Christian.

As a sociological study of race relations and the white church this is an excellent film. You see the theological, social and cultural differences as to how two groups view Christianity. The African-Americans do not spare their white Christian counterparts in condemning them for not living up to the Christian gospel. Augustan Lutheran Church is a good example of how a church can change and become relevant to the issues of its time if it will step out on faith. You will be hopeful at the outcome of this film as two groups struggle for reconciliation.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars it's still time..., May 11, 2006

By 

Kevin Buckner (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Time for Burning (DVD)

Having lived through this time, I was born and raised in Omaha, I now understand why I think the way I do. Ernie Chambers and Dan Goodwin were, and still are, my barbers. The conversations that went on in the barbershop were not staged, these are the type of exchanges that go on in 'Spencer Street Barber Shop' to this day. This is where I earned my degree in 'Common Sense' Thank God, I am now equipped to deal with the unfortunate reality that is America. I wish I could say Omaha was unique, but it was not...this type of thinking goes on everywhere I have lived, now it's just a bit more covert, both black and white. While I applaud Min. Youngdahl's effort, I was not surprised that he 'resigned'. We all need to step away from our comfort zone...this documentary is our 'Picture of Dorian Gray'.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You must watch!, August 30, 2006

By 

L. Wilson (North Carolina) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A Time for Burning (DVD)

This needs to be promoted better because no one has heard about this, but if they did, watch out. Ernie Chambers? I've never heard of this man, but i'm honored to know that he exists. This documentary is brilliant, especially for it's time period.