Nothing But a Man

Starring:Ivan Dixon, Abbey Lincoln, Julius Harris, Gloria Foster, Martin Priest, Leonard Parker, Yaphet Kotto, Stanley Greene, Helen Lounck, Helene Arrindell, Walter Willison, Mel Stewart, Milton Williams, Reverend Marshall Tomkin, Alfred Puryear, Charles McRea, Ed Rowan, Tom Ligon, William Jordan, Dorothy Hall (II)
Director: Michael Roemer
Studio: New Video Group
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

From the era when American films almost never put black characters at the center of a movie, Nothing but a Man stands like a beacon of intelligence and sympathy. It was shot in 1964 at the height of the Civil Rights movement by two Jewish white men, director Michael Roemer and cinematographer Robert M. Young, who wrote the script after traveling through the South and immersing themselves in African American life. Ivan Dixon (later of Hogan's Heroes) plays a railroad worker who settles down to marry a preacher's daughter (jazz singer Abbey Lincoln), only to find that the system is rigged against him. The film is not condescending or idealizing in its approach; some of the problems of the characters are outside the reality of racism. Aside from its status as a landmark social-issue film, it is good to recognize, 40 years on, what a terrific piece of filmmaking this is, with fine acting (Yaphet Kotto and Gloria Foster are in the cast), lucid dialogue, and a fresh feeling for everyday domestic life. --Robert Horton

Description

A landmark independent film, NOTHING BUT MAN is one of the most sincere and sensitive pictures ever made about the struggles and hardships of Black life in 1960s America. Lauded by critics at the Venice and New York film festivals when it first premiered

Customer Reviews:

Nothing But a Man.......2007-06-28

A lean film of unusual grace and power, thanks to a perceptive script and solid characterizations. Both Dixon and jazz singer Lincoln give heartfelt portrayals as Duff and Josie, and look for the late, great Julius Harris playing Duff's drunk, delinquent father. "Nothing" is an inspiring work of cinema that helped fuel the Civil Rights era, and still speaks volumes today.

"A Typical Man" .......2007-05-18

Yes I said it yes I did, as a well known radio talk show host says.
This was a good movie but, I didn't care to much for the way it
ended. This movie showed how a black man can get caught up in
the everyday struggles of life, and began to take it out on the one
who's closest to him and who has his back when times get hard, this
woman was always on the supporting end, never gave up on him through
his struggles with prejudice white folk. I was glad he was on the
way to getting his life in order. Good ole movie I'd say.
Wished there was a part 2 to this movie, I would definately buy it.

Lynn from OKC

Very Powerful Film.......2007-05-16

this is the Kind of Film that while it is over 40 years Old, still reflects so much of what is going on today especially if you are a Black Man in America. this film pulls no punches and it shows the day to day grind of dealing in a cold unfair world. a very strong cast that balances out so much. very well paced film with strong direction and writing that could be anywhere from the 60's til today. very strong all Black cast and dealing with Everyday Life and it's challenges. this is One of the Best Put together casts that I have Ever seen in a Film. this Film is very Historic and Ground-Breaking. a must see classic that will get to your spirit and soul. also a Strong soundtrack.

Groundbreaking film.......2007-03-31

In 1964, when "Nothing But a Man" was released, it must have been a shock to see a film that presents a story focused on the lives of black characters, and does so with such vivid and unsparing authenticity. The film's power has faded little in over forty years and remains essential viewing for reasons that far exceed its historical importance. The story of a man who refuses to conform or give in but who breaks a little along the way as he ends up fighting everyone around him is told with such courage and honesty that you are hooked from the opening scenes. The direction is unobtrusive and the script manages to effectively walk the delicate balance between delivering a message without being heavy-handed. The actors in the film don't seem to have a lot of range but what they do, they do very effectively and are completely convincing.

I end up watching this film about once a decade (I've seen it three times). On both occasions as I anticipated watching it again I've thought its not going to be as good as I remember it being. I've been wrong both times, rediscovering the film's force and seeing even more layers of subtlety as I watched it through the filter of my added experience. I can't recommend this film highly enough.

An interesting movie..........2007-01-16

This is a solid movie that just tells a story with no bells and whistles. It does a good job of depicting the life and struggles of black people,particularly men, in the deep south during the 60's. The acting of the two main characters is excellent. I am glad I purchased this movie and w/o any problems (Thanks Amazon.com).

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