Roots: The Saga of an American Classic

This 25-years-later retrospective celebrating 1977's TV miniseries Roots--which brought a nation together for eight nights and arguably changed the face of race relations in America--eloquently discusses the impact of Alex Haley's acclaimed saga of the history of slavery, both in the pages of his bestselling book and as one of the highest-rated events ever on television. Hosted by LeVar Burton, the program interweaves interviews with producer David L. Wolper and cast members Leslie Uggams, Ben Vereen, Maya Angelou, Olivia Cole, and Ed Asner--among others--while presenting clips from the miniseries, and additional interviews with personalities such as Will Smith, Larry King, and Michael Jordan, who recall their experiences watching Roots, which was the first major film to portray the most shameful chapter in American history from a black point of view. While much of the nation was thrown into polarizing emotions of confusion and guilt when Roots aired, the series also educated and enlightened many, reminding us all of the fact--as Leslie Uggams says--that "the legacy of slavery is racism"; a legacy we continue to struggle with today. Highly recommended. Aud: J, H, C, P. (N. Plympton)