Everyone has heard of Dr Martin Luther King, but the little-known Vernon Johns was one of King's more prominent civil rights predecessors. The story here starts in 1948 when Dr Johns preaches the need for social change in Alabama. Of course, once up against white authority, he is in great danger. That fine actor James Earl Jones fills the role of Johns, giving him depth, power and dignity. If the arguments expressed here are now well-worn, they are still put forward forcefully and intelligently. A good film and an eye-opener for anyone who thinks the Civil Rights movement only started with King.


©ipc tx. Film content from TVTimes