Leadbelly (film)
| Leadbelly | |
|---|---|
 Wide move poster for Leadbelly | |
| Directed by | Gordon Parks |
| Produced by |
Marc Merson David Paradine (aka, David Frost) |
| Written by | Ernest Kinoy |
| Starring | Roger E. Mosley |
| Music by | Fred Karlin |
| Cinematography | Bruce Surtees |
| Edited by |
Harry Howard Thomas Penick |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release dates | May 28, 1976 |
Running time | 126 mins. |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Leadbelly is a 1976 film chronicling the life of folk singer Huddie William Ledbetter (better known as "Lead Belly"). The film was directed by Gordon Parks, and starred Roger E. Mosley in the title role.[1] The film focuses on the troubles of Lead Belly's youth in the segregated South including his time in prison, and his efforts to use his music to gain release.
Plot
The story follows Leadbelly during the early years when he worked to be a far famed singer/composer. In flashbacks, it follows his first marriage, his going to different places including a brothel, and recounts the many times he got into trouble with the law, including landing in jail for an accidental murder he never meant to commit.
Cast
- Roger E. Mosley as Huddie Ledbetter
- Paul Benjamin as Wes Ledbetter
- Madge Sinclair as Miss Eula
- Alan Manson as Prison Chief Guard
- Albert Hall as Dicklicker
- Art Evans as Blind Lemon Jefferson
- James Brodhead as John Lomax
- John Henry Faulk as Gov. Neff
- Vivian Bonnell as Old Lady
- Dana Manno as Margaret Judd
- Lynn Hamilton as Sally Ledbetter
- William Wintersole as Sheriff
External links
Further reading
- Kevles, Barbara. "The Marketing of Leadbelly." Cineaste Fall 2003: 34-35.
- Boyd,III, L. Roi. "Exploring Gordon Parks' "Leadbelly": Thirty Years Later" BTNews Vol.16, No.1 Winter/Spring 2006: 15-20.
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