Unchained Memories: Readings from the Slave Narratives (2003)

Directors:

Ed Bell, Thomas Lennon

Writer:

Mark Jonathan Harris

Stars:

Whoopi Goldberg, Angela Bassett, Michael Boatman

Nominated for 4 Primetime Emmys. Another 1 win & 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Whoopi Goldberg	...	Narrator
Angela Bassett	...	Reader
Michael Boatman	...	Reader
Roscoe Lee Browne	...	Reader
Don Cheadle	...	Reader
Sandra Daley	...	Reader
Ossie Davis	...	Reader
Ruby Dee	...	Reader
Robert Guillaume	...	Reader
Jasmine Guy	...	Reader
Samuel L. Jackson	...	Reader
CCH Pounder	...	Reader
LaTanya Richardson	...	Reader
Ruben Santiago-Hudson	...	Reader
Roger Guenveur Smith	...	Reader

Storyline

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Taglines:

In their words, our shared history.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

January 2003 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Home Box Office (HBO)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

User Reviews

All Americans should see this.

I went to the trouble of registering at this site just so I could disagree with the previous reviewer. I think this is a fantastic document. If it causes people to look with sorrow and anger at the immoral behavior of slaveholders, well - it should.

I also disagree vehemently with people who say: "this should be seen especially by African-Americans." I think it should be seen especially by white Americans because the slave experience, now that all the eye-witnesses are long dead, is in danger of being forgotten. I am a Jew and feel fearful about the death of the last Holocaust survivors. Already there are people saying it never happened. So, too, with the horrors of slavery. But within this DVD are the voices, real and vital, of the witnesses. The WPA book series (which is available free to read on the Library of Congress site) is a priceless part of our history. Yes, I shudder with grief and rage at the behavior of the whites who participated in, condoned, or simply tolerated the treatment of blacks under slavery.

The readings are beautifully done. The actors are great and very involved in the project. The editing is exceptionally good. The music, primarily by the McIntosh County Shouters, is also great. The period photography is used to perfect effect - we can look right into those eyes and imagine what they saw. Editing is unobtrusive, that is to say that we hear the voices of the slaves undimmed by egotists on the modern end.