Directed by
Popper, Gerald
Written by
Popper, Gerald
Produced by
Popper, Gerald
Subject of
Dr. King, Martin Luther Jr., American, 1929 - 1968
Rev. King, Martin Luther Sr, American, 1899 - 1984
Distributed by
FilmFair Communications, American, 1968 - 1996
Owned by
D.C. Public Library, American, founded 1896
Date
1984
Medium
polyester film
Dimensions
Duration: 14 Minutes
Length (Film): 500 Feet
Caption
This film was a part of the Washington D.C. Public Library's circulating 16mm film collection housed at the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library. The collection is particularly noted for the wide variety of African American and African diaspora content.
Description
A short film with the title The Boyhood of Martin Luther King Jr. It consists of a single reel of color 16mm polyester film with optical sound.
The film uses voiceover narration, archival photographs, archival film footage as well as reenactments to tell the story of the civil rights leader's childhood. It opens with a discussion of the Nobel Peace Prize before the narrator states that, "On December 10, 1964, this honor went to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," before moving on to some formative experiences in King's childhood. Some of the events/themes that arise in the film include Dr. King, Jr. being prevented from playing with his white best friend as a boy; the role of the church in Dr. King's upbringing; the role of Rev. King, Sr. and other members of the family in young Dr. King, Jr.'s upbringing; life lessons King, Jr. learned from playing sports with his friends as well as prominent individuals that inspired the young Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Place used
Washington, District of Columbia, United States, North and Central America
Place depicted
Atlanta, Georgia, United States, North and Central America
Collection title
DC Public Library Film Collection
Classification
Time-based Media - Moving Images
Type
sound films
color films (visual works)
short subjects
16mm (photographic film size)
Topic
Activism
Children
Civil rights
Documentary films
Film
Race relations
Religion
Segregation
Youth
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Object number
2017.55.97.1a
Restrictions & Rights
Restrictions likely apply. Proper usage is the responsibility of the user.
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5616f765e-208a-4aaf-bd75-f3d9a143be31

Cataloging is an ongoing process and we may update this record as we conduct additional research and review. If you have more information about this object, please contact us at NMAAHCDigiTeam@si.edu

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