As the title suggests, this political biography has a tight focus on Atlanta and Georgia modern political history, though a wider realm of civil rights and African-American topics may give Bo Legs legs outside of a limited regional niche.
Marvin Arrington Sr. (who died in 2023) grew up in disadvantaged circumstances during the Jim Crow era, distinguished himself in high school and college football (hence the "Bo Legs" nickname), studied law and, while running a high-profile practice, became a popular Atlanta alderman - later Council President - during the historic administration of the city's first black mayor, Maynard Jackson (elected 1974).
The narrative here places Arrington in the center of things: the evolving black middle class and Atlanta's economic revitalization and ascension to a showcase metropolis of the modern American South; enhancements to the municipal zoo and airport; the infamy of the Atlanta child murders in the 1970s, Atlanta's hosting the Olympics and even an assist to the comeback of Muhammed Ali following the champ's ban from professional boxing.
Though Arrington met with electoral defeat when he ran for Atlanta mayor in the late 1990s (against a popular black incumbent, Bill Campbell), Arrington achieved a judgeship - and some media notoriety when, in 2008, he tried to uplift delinquent black youth by personal one-on-one sessions with the defendants, with the headline-grabbing aside that white people, even lawyers, had to leave the courtroom during the pep talks.
Arrington's son is listed as a producer. Unsurprisingly, material from documentarian Adelin Gasana is top-heavy with warm, glowing tributes (everyone from former Atlanta governor Roy Barnes to Arrington's ex-wife), even adding that Marvin could really rock wearing a bowtie. At nearly two hours, some stuff could undoubtedly be trimmed.
Other prominent Georgia interviewees include radio personality Rachad Richey, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, reporters Maynard Eaton and Alexie Scott, and author Maurice Hobson, all agreeing that Arrington deserves a higher profile in the who's-who of Black America.
What public library shelves would this title be on?
African-American history and modern US history with an emphasis on civil rights and the South are apt crossroads. Collections located in and near Atlanta are a given. Travel tourism might be stretching things.
What academic subjects would this film be suitable for?
Modern US history and Black History are obvious destinations, with public-policy and civics-oriented courses (and possibly law and judicial activism) also relevant.
(Aud: C, P)