The Fight

The Joe Louis vs. Max Schmeling fight on June 22, 1938, galvanized black and white Americans like no other event in modern history: it wasn't just a boxing match but an ideological showdown, one of the most important sporting events in history and a meaningful prelude to World War II, in which the all-American (and African-American) Louis was rematched against the über-German Schmeling, whose naïve connections to Hitler and Nazi Germany made him a symbolic enemy of near-legendary proportions. Both men were victimized by the identities thrust upon them: Louis the savior of democracy and decency in the free world, Schmeling the public-relations pawn of the Third Reich. As usual, PBS's The American Experience does a superb, definitive job of retelling this amazing story, with impeccable research, first-rate narration (delivered with dramatic flair by actor Courtney B. Vance), and well-chosen archival photos and footage. The crowd-pleasing rematch is as exciting as ever, but more importantly, The Fight places the great event in riveting historical context, so it's perfectly clear how important the match was on racial, emotional, social, and political levels. In addition to offering richly informative profiles of Louis and Schmeling (including a touching reunion on the vintage TV show This Is Your Life), the program's numerous historians and boxing experts weigh in with thoughtful commentary. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)