Amos 'n' Andy: Anatomy of a Controversy (1983)

The history of the television version of "Amos and Andy" and the public outcry to cancel it.

Director:

Stanley Sheff

Writers:

Bob Greenberg, Michael Avery (concept),

Stars:

George Kirby, Freeman F. Gosden, Charles J. Correll

Cast

Complete credited cast:
George Kirby	...	Himself / Narrator
Freeman F. Gosden	...	Himself - 'Amos' (archive footage) (as Freeman Gosden)
Charles J. Correll	...	Himself - 'Andy' (archive footage) (as Charles Correll)
Tim Moore	...	'Kingfish' (archive footage)
Spencer Williams	...	'Andy' (archive footage)
Ernestine Wade	...	Herself - 'Sapphire' (archive footage)
Alvin Childress	...	Himself - 'Amos'
Richard Correll	...	Himself (as Rich Correll)
Johnny Lee	...	'Calhoun' (archive footage)
Marla Gibbs	...	Herself
Redd Foxx	...	Himself
Henry Lee Moon	...	Himself
Jesse Jackson	...	Himself (as Rev. Jesse Jackson)

Storyline

This documentary examines the history of The Amos 'n Andy Show, the first all-black-cast show on American television. The show only lasted a few years before the network that showed it succumbed to pressure from civil-rights groups, which claimed that it portrayed blacks in a negative light. The show was also pulled from re-runs in the mid-'60s for the same reason. Clips--and one entire episode--from the series are shown, as are interviews with several members of the original cast and prominent modern-day black actors and comedians.

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Plot Keywords:

television | television history | african american | character name in title

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

1983 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

M.R. Avery Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Color:

Black and White Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Features The Amos 'n Andy Show (1951)

User Reviews

Historical, Informative, & Interesting.

I enjoyed the manner in which Mr. George Kirby set the whole thing up with some historical information. I further enjoyed the old footage from various shows. It further told a little bit about each actor i.e. Alvin Childress(Amos), Spencer Williams Jr. (Andy), Tim Moore (Kingfish), Ernestine Wade (Sapphire), Amanda Randolph (Mama), Johnny Lee (Calhoun), Nick O'Demus (Lghtnin), Lillian Randolph (Madame Queen).

The important thing that I learned was that these actors were extremly popular & they were the "pioneers" that made it possible for Black actors/actresses to gain future roles of great significance. It's clear in my mind that had it not been for this show & the opportunities it gave to African-American Actors for steady employment really makes me feel good.

Two White Men had a vision & they took it & ran with it. It worked & Gosden and Correll became millionaires. There's no reason why some Black people can't accomplish the same feat for themselves.