Minstrel Man

As of 2019, this movie is available to see on YouTube, but you're going to need head phones cause the sound is very low

Saw the Minstrel Man tv movie as an 8th grader in the 70s. At that time the plot introduced subjects I didn't quite understand at such a young age. Discussion ensued with my parents (northern black African-Americans born in the 1920s). They filled me in first hand about the horrific things they recalled about the Minstrel era and about the events their parents endured as musicians...but also instilled pride about the strength of those who resisted. 1 of my grandparents (born in the late 1800s was still living when the film was released and 2 others born around 1907 were also living). Somehow I found myself humming the theme music recently and decided to research. Learned the musical score was created by Fred Karlin, who won Emmys for the movie's music. However, I can not find any musical recording anywhere. Insane!! Any suggestions??

This is one of those amazing documents that seem to have been created directly by Providence, surely, everything came together here in a sad, funny, joyous, yet tragic film loaded with some of the most wonderful actors, dancers and singers we have ever seen on screens of any size.

We wonder, for example, what in the world happened to the talented Glynn Turman, who stars in this great piece of film art.

The other amazing thing is how this film, this wonderful production, so obviously made by experts in film art could have possibly disappeared. I have looked for it on video for a decade now and thus far have not seen it. Surely there is room also, for greatness in the market place. God knows we have enough junk available everywhere.

This film will bring shame to anyone who ever even had a fleeting thought of prejudice toward another human being because his or her complexion was a different tone. However, it does more than that. It entertains and while doing that, shows us the raw nature of pure courage.

Where, oh where, can I find this film? I saw it long ago on TV--it was a tremendously moving, thoughtful, and painfully honest drama about race relations during the period it portrays. Beautifully acted and absolutely authentic in spirit. But it seems to have vanished forever.

I've heard that Bill Cosby has bought up many films that he considers to have cast a demeaning light upon many of our great African-American performers, such as old favorites like the TV "Amos & Andy" shows and other great African-American productions. Sadly, he is doing a great injustice to the people whom he is attempting to protect, as he is depriving them the recognition that they so richly deserve and at the same time depriving the viewing public its opportunity of viewing enjoyment, for which those productions were purposefully made. I fear that the 1977 TV movie, "Minstrel Man" has been confiscated into the collection of Mr.Cosby, much to the detrimental void he has created for the rest of us. If I am wrong - then to where has it disappeared?

Anonymous