MLK Day 2024: 'King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis' (1970) [FULL DOCUMENTARY]

On MLK Day 2024, I found myself reflecting on a tradition from my past that brought the significance of this day closer to home. It's a tradition that involved my mother, Robin,, my grandmother Frances, my twin brother Carl and me huddled around our TV, immersed in the profound documentary, 'King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis'.

This documentary, released shortly after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination in 1970, is an unvarnished journey through his life and the Civil Rights Movement. Directed by Sidney Lumet and Joseph Mankiewicz, it's a film that, in my opinion, should be mandatory viewing for anyone seeking to understand the fight for inalienable human rights.

The film uniquely employs only original newsreel footage and other primary sources, covering the period from the Montgomery Bus Boycott of 1955-56 to King's assassination in 1968. The original footage is narrated by an ensemble of celebrities like Harry Belafonte, Ruby Dee, and James Earl Jones, adding depth and resonance to the already powerful visuals.

The documentary was initially shown in theaters as a one-time event in 1970 and, for many years, became something of a rare gem, occasionally appearing on television or in educational settings. The scarcity of the film only added to its mystique and importance. However, in 2010, the film was resurrected for a new generation, thanks to the efforts of Richard Kaplan, who set up A Filmed Record Inc. to produce a DVD using master elements he had stored over the years.

In 2012, a partnership with Kino Lorber led to the restoration and remastering of the original 35 mm prints, making the film available on DVD and Blu-ray. This act of preservation ensured that Dr. King’s voice and legacy could continue to inspire and educate.

Watching this film every MLK Day in my youth was more than just a family tradition. It was an education, a connection to our history and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice. It showed me the power of one man's voice against the backdrop of a society resistant to change. It made me realize the importance of standing up for what is right, even in the face of insurmountable odds.

As we observe MLK Day this year, I encourage everyone to watch 'King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis'. Let it be a reminder of the struggles of the past and the work that still needs to be done. Let it inspire us to continue Dr. King’s legacy in our own lives and communities. And let it serve as a bridge between generations, as it did for my brother, my mother, my grandmother and me.

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