Joe Louis: America's Hero... Betrayed (TV 2008)

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of ... See full summary »

Writer:

Ouisie Shapiro

Stars:

Joe Louis, Joe Louis Barrow Jr., Randy Roberts

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Joe Louis	...	Himself (archive footage)
Joe Louis Barrow Jr.	...	Himself
Randy Roberts	...	Himself - Historian
Dick Gregory	...	Himself
Walter Smith	...	Himself - Friend
Chris Mead	...	Himself - Biographer
John Roxborough	...	Himself - Manager (archive footage)
Julian Black	...	Himself - Trainer (archive footage)
Jack Johnson	...	Himself (archive footage)
Jack Blackburn	...	Himself - Trainer (archive footage)
Lester Rodney	...	Himself
Gerald Early	...	Himself - Historian
Primo Carnera	...	Himself (archive footage)
Charles Rangel	...	Himself
Max Baer	...	Himself (archive footage)

Storyline

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

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Plot Keywords:

joe louis | african american | casino | boxing | pride | 

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Genres:

Documentary | Biography | Sport

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Details

Official Sites:

HBO [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 2008 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

HBO Sports

Technical Specs

Runtime:

75 min

Color:

Color

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