Paul Robeson: Here I Stand

Paul Robeson was a giant in the entertainment industry and a giant in the American civil rights struggles of the 20th century. He was pilloried for what--at the time--constituted leftist leanings (which he freely acknowledged that he held) and a sort of cheeky popularity known in some warped circles as uppityness. This powerful video delivers a fine biography of Robeson, collecting many of the highlights of his career in one handy source, from his classic rendition of "Ol' Man River" to his stirring public pronouncements. Stirring in a different way, but highly revealing, is the disclosure that while Robeson was a member of the Rutgers Glee Club, he was not allowed to appear with them at off-campus bookings. Interviews with Harry Belafonte, Pete Seeger and other socially aware and politically committed entertainment figures flesh out the story of this truly great American. Part of the PBS-aired American Masters series, this is highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (M. Tribby)