Adam Clayton Powell
US (1989): Documentary
This is a compelling portrait of the legendary African American leader, Adam Clayton Powell, as well as a fascinating look at the beginning of modern black politics in this country. Handsome, brilliant and controversial, he was the pastor of America's largest Protestant congregation; an early champion in the Civil Rights movement, and the first African-American Congressman from a northeastern state.
The film follows his political climb in the Harlem of the Depression 30s. As minister of Harlem's Abysinnian Baptist Church, Powell used his charismatic power in the battle for equal employment. Once in Congress, he fought persistently to deny federal funding to segregated facilities. Under Presidents Kennedy and Johnson he was instrumental in passing much of the social legislation known as "The Great Society." At the peak of his power, he was the most influential black man in America. Yet his meteoric rise to power ended in an abrupt fall as financial indiscretions and personal excesses caught up with him.
The film pulls together facts, remembrances and opinions into a compelling narrative. Heard from are Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, writer Roger Wilkins, Professor John Henry Clarke, and family members. (filmmakers.com)
1 nomination
· Documentary Features 1989: Richard Kilberg & Yvonne Smith - Producers