Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

Cast

Joe Louis

Joe Louis

as Self (archive footage)

Joe Louis Barrow Jr.

Joe Louis Barrow Jr.

as Self

Dick Gregory

Dick Gregory

as Self

Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson

as Self (archive footage)

Liev Schreiber

Liev Schreiber

as Narrator

Randy Roberts

Randy Roberts

as Self

Gerald Early

Gerald Early

as Self

Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou

as Self

Bill Cosby

Bill Cosby

as Self

Jimmy Carter

Jimmy Carter

as Self

Reviews

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