"Memorable." — - The Los Angeles Times Oscar® nominee James Earl Jones stars as controversial pastor Vernon Johns, one of the earliest voices of civil rights. In 1948, Johns served as the outspoken spiritual leader of ... more »the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Incensed at the racial injustice that pervaded the South, he was determined to fight for equality for all African Americans. His refusal to accept segregation incited anger amongst local law enforcement and caused his family to fear for their lives. Johns held strong to his beliefs and encouraged his congregation to join him. But, the church council deemed him a troublemaker and he was voted out as pastor?only to be replaced by future civil rights leader, Martin Luther King Jr.« less
Actors:James Earl Jones, Garland Bunting, Moses Gibson, Tommy Hollis, Joe Inscoe Genres:Drama, Television Sub-Genres:Drama, Drama Studio:MPI HOME VIDEO Format:DVD - Color DVD Release Date: 06/26/2007 Original Release Date: 01/15/1994 Theatrical Release Date: 01/15/1994 Release Year: 2007 Run Time: 1hr 40min Screens: Color Number of Discs: 1 SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Total Copies: 0 Members Wishing: 0 MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Languages:English
The Vernon Johns Story - The Road to Freedom and Awareness
Kenneth A. Davis | Johnston, SC United States | 04/16/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you want to see a movie that will wake you up, make you proud of your predecessors, and make you want to go out and do something constructive to improve the economic, spiritual and social status of black people, then this is the movie for you. James Earl Jones is superb as Vernon Johns, full of the essence of the word "love." Love is a verb, meaning to take action, not a feeling or some image of lust. Watch the movie with a friend, family member or someone who cares, and then go out and do something about it. Don't get excited about the movie and then do nothing about it. And don't think you are just one person and you will have no effect. Vernon Johns was one person and he paved the way for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and other civil rights activists. Pave the way for a better community, county, state, nation and world. Thank you."
A "must have" for anyone teaching the civil rights movement
hal1956 | West Orange, NJ United States | 01/23/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Through the writing of Taylor Branch, I was first introduced to the brilliant Vernon Johns and his unacknowledged role in the civil rights movement. I subsequently read "Voices for the Dexter Pulpit" (ed. Michael Thurman) and the unpublished biography of Johns written by Henry W. Powell of The Vernon Johns Society. The brilliant performance by James Earl Jones is as close to written accounts as one would expect. This is a "must see" for anyone who teaches the civil rights movement. Provides for a great debate topic - Johns v. MLK - why did one succeed and the other not?"
I like this movie.
forceflow307 | Some people know, MO | 04/26/2004
(4 out of 5 stars)
"WARNING; THIS MOVIE MAY CAUSE A CHANGE OF HEART IN ITS VIEWERS. This is a great movie about a modern day prophet who is rejected byy his own people, but continues to spread the word. I give it a 4 1/2!"
Road to Freedom, The Vernon Johns Story -A Masterpiece
Amy Jo Willie | Kannapolis, North Carolina | 05/12/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A must see movie, James Earl Jones does and excellent job playing Vernon Johns, a brave,Christian Preacher in Alabama at Dexter Baptist Church. I have seen the movie twice, and would watch it many more times. A film to help us understand our past, and hopefully grow in our future. This movie should be shown again on tv and should have never been taken out of print.
Amy Jo"
Unusually Powerful !!
C. Crockett | 01/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is a movie that is a must for those who are brave enough to look into the eyes of a fearless man who walked in the spirit and power of a "John the Baptist." America only acknowledges Dr. M.L. King and Mrs. Rosa Parks, but they stood on the shoulders of Rev. Vernon Johns. He was the beginning of the "revolution for righteousness." He showed them how to take the reigns for control of their own lives. They listened. Excellently written script. A classic that should be required viewing in every junior high school. I only regret that neither Johns, nor King ever got to enjoy the respect, appreciation and acclaim they so very much deserved. This is a classic, fit for ANY home or age."