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Nothing But A Man (1964)
Released By: New Video   Rating: Not Rated   In Theaters: 9/19/1964
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Studio: New Video
Genre: Drama
MPAA Rating: Not Rated
Director: Michael Roemer
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: 9/19/1964
Home Video Release: 9/28/2004
Cast: Gloria Foster, Ivan Dixon, Julius W. Harris, Abbey Lincoln, Martin Priest
Published ID: 432669
UPC: 767685946138,
Plot: A landmark independent film, Nothing but a Man is the first dramatic story featuring a largely black cast created for an integrated audience (the work of black filmmakers such as Oscar Micheaux was intended for audiences who patronized black-only theaters). White filmmakers Michael Roemer and Robert M. Young traveled through the South in 1962 in search of ideas for a fiction feature set during the growing turbulence of the civil rights era. Their story, based in Alabama but shot in southern New Jersey, is only tangentially related to the movement toward equality. Duff, an itinerant black railroad laborer (Ivan Dixon), romances and marries Josie, a small-town preacher's daughter (Abbey Lincoln). Duff insists on being treated with respect, but his stance is personal rather than political. After he settles down in the town with Josie, he comes up against white bosses who want to make sure he knows his place and black men such as Josie's father who don't want to rock the boat for fear of losing what little advantage they have. Duff's relationship with his own father (Julius Harris), a broken-down drunk living in Birmingham, teaches him valuable lessons about dignity and self-worth. The film was lauded at both the New York and Venice festivals but received limited release in theaters specializing in foreign and independent film. However, word of mouth in the black community (where Nothing but a Man was for years a staple on the 16 mm rental market, in the days before VCRs) and continued attention by film historians have ensured the status of Nothing but a Man as a pioneering and enduring work. ~ Tom Wiener, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
A Good One!
Added 10/21/2007

I enjoy old movies. I saw this one on television and had to have it! The price was within my budget and there were plenty of copies in stock.
0 out of 1 people found this helpful.
Nothing But a Man
Added 6/28/2007

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.
3 out of 3 people found this helpful.
"A Typical Man"
Added 5/18/2007

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

2 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Very Powerful Film
Added 5/16/2007

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.
4 out of 4 people found this helpful.
Groundbreaking film
Added 3/31/2007

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.

5 out of 5 people found this helpful.
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