Solomon Northup's Odyssey 

This is based on a true story. Solomon Northrop is a black man in the mid 19th century before slavery was abolished. He's a born freeman who works as a carpenter and is also a part time ... See full summary »

Director:

Gordon Parks

Writers:

Solomon Northup (book), Lou Potter (teleplay)

Stars:

Avery Brooks, Rhetta Greene, Mason Adams

1 win.

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Avery Brooks	...	Solomon Northup
Rhetta Greene	...	Jenny
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Mason Adams	...	Ford
Ken Broadhurst	...	Bass
Lee Bryant	...	Mrs. Epps
Tony Dreyspool	...	Senator Soule
Anthony Edenfield	...	Ned
Art Evans
Harry George	...	Sherriff
Ann Pearl Gray	...	Kelsey
Janet League	...	Eliza
Charles McGhee	...	Luke
Jay McMillan	...	Harry
Petronia Paley	...	Anne Northup
J.C. Quinn	...	Tibeats

Storyline

This is based on a true story. Solomon Northrop is a black man in the mid 19th century before slavery was abolished. He's a born freeman who works as a carpenter and is also a part time musician. One day he is approached by some men who want him to play for them. However, that is not their intention; they have kidnapped him and sold him into slavery. Now he has to endure the hardships that he has been spared because of his status as a freeman. And his family who don't know what happened to him is searching for him but where do they go? And Solomon also wishes to let them know where he is so that they could get him but unfortunately no one believes his story or is willing to help him.

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Plot Keywords:

slavery | kidnapping | based on book | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance | Sci-Fi

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 December 1984 (USA)

Also Known As:

Half-Slave, Half-Free

Filming Locations:

Savannah, Georgia, USA

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Runtime:

115 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks (2000)

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Soundtracks

Jenny's Song
Performed by Mandy Gaines

User Reviews

One Of Park's Best Works

My conclusion to this drama is simple; quality performance. Avery Brooks' performance without question; was sensational, playing a man torn from freedom for twelve years. Rhetta Greene's performance was also remarkable; I thought she would go further in film skyrocketing into major stardom; but whatever happened to her? Is she doing theater? Is she still alive? The late Joe Seneca's performance was brilliant, playing the old and very wise slave. Over all, this is truly one of Gordon Parks' sensational masterpieces; bringing Northup's novel to film; but, I do believe that the story could have been developed into a ten part mini series; because, the story about this man being held captive for twelve years cannot be expressed in detail in just two hours.