Joel Fluellen

Northern journalist Quentin Lerner travels to the racially polarized south of 1962 to interview Miss Jane Pittman for a potential book.

Northern journalist Quentin Lerner travels to the racially polarized south of 1962 to interview Miss Jane Pittman for a potential book.

A story about the American experience told by a former Louisiana slave, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman spans over 100 years of southern history. From the Civil War to the civil rights movement, this fictional narrative provides a moving and impactful look at the struggle African Americans faced in the midst of a divided nation. Starring Cicely Tyson as Jane Pittman, the film earned nine Emmy Awards, including best picture (1974).

Set in New Mexico during the years 1912-1915, a fictional black "Bonnie and Clyde"-type race through the Southwest in their ancient jalopies, shooting lawmen and sharing the riches with poor blacks, whites, and Indians alike. One avenging sheriff, determined to bring the pair in, pursues them relentlessly.

Deported crime boss Nick Ferraro (Emmy-winner Raymond Burr "Rear Window") needs to re-enter the United States to run his operation. His plan involves hard-up gambler Dan Milner (Golden Globe-winner Robert Mitchum "Cape Fear"), who is persuaded, both by a series of beatings and a substantial sum of money, to sell his identity to Nick. En route, Dan meets the singer Lenore Brent (Jane Russell "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes"), who is actually posing as an heiress, trying to marry a millionaire. On arrival at posh resort in Baja California, Dan finds the ostensibly rich, carefree guests all playing roles...except for the Hollywood actor Mark Cardigan (Vincent Price "House on Haunted Hill," "Edward Scissorhands"). Directed by Oscar-winner John Farrow ("Around the World in 80 Days").

Robinson Crusoe is marooned on a beautiful South Seas island with Man Friday. Crusoe declares himself 'master', and throws Friday into a cave when he rebels. Friday manages to escape and leaves Crusoe alone to fend for himself. But Crusoe soon discovers he needs Friday's companionship and welcomes him back with open arms. When a slave ship comes to the island, Friday convinces Crusoe that it puts them both in peril. In a violent battle, Crusoe and Friday defeat the slavers and kill the captain and his mate. Yet they both end up stranded on the island. After much difficulty, they finally build a seaworthy raft and sail to Friday's island. Crusoe seeks to join Friday's community, but they cannot accept him or his standards. Unable to adapt, he is destined to live out his life isolated and alone, which inevitably leads to a tragic end.

"Casey's Shadow" is a funny and touching story for the whole family about a cranky, impoverished horse trainer, Lloyd Bourdelle (Walter Matthau) and his three sons. When the oldest son is sent off to buy a quarter horse, he brings back, instead an old pregnant mare, explaining that she has superb bloodlines. The mare gives birth to a colt that grows into a strong, promising racehorse. Bourdelle sees it is an opportunity to show up his old rivals and make some money in the process. But just as Bourdelle is about to enter the horse in a million-dollar race its front leg is seriously injured. In spite of the vet's warning and his son's violent objections, Bourdelle enters the horse anyway. A bittersweet, poignant conclusion is sure to make Casey's Shadow a family favorite!

One of the most remarkable biopics of all time, this inspiring film tells the story of Jackie Robinson, the famous black baseball player of the 1940s who broke racial barriers while playing for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The film follows Robinson’s career, starting with his college days as a track star at both Pasadena College and UCLA. After graduating, Robinson tries to find work as a coach, but is turned away due to his race, leading him to join the army and later, play in the Negro Baseball League. Robinson’s extraordinary skills on the field attract the attention of the general manager of the Brooklyn Dodgers, Branch Rickey. Thus begins the remarkable career of a truly inspirational black athlete whose dreams of overcoming the stereotypes around him helped him to ignore the racial prejudices of the time and become one of the greatest baseball players that has ever lived.

A devout Southern Indiana Quaker family attempts to resist the call to arms during the Civil War, but their pacifism is sorely tested by the events that engulf them in this classic film directed by William Wyler ("Ben Hur," "The Best Years of Our Lives"). Intriguing events unfold as a young Quaker woman falls in love with a soldier. Moving and often humorous story of the painful changes confronting five families and the choices they are forced to make. Starring screen legend Gary Cooper ("High Noon," "The Pride of the Yankees"), Oscar-nominee Dorothy McGuire ("Gentleman's Agreement," "The Greatest Story Ever Told") and Anthony Perkins ("Psycho," "Murder on the Orient Express"). Leonard Maltin gives this classic film his highest rating, "****" (four stars).

Conflicts of a struggling African-American family who suddenly come into a financial windfall.

A funny and touching story for the whole family about an irascible, impoverished horse trainer Lloyd Bourdelle (Walter Matthau) and his three sons.

A funny and touching story for the whole family about an irascible, impoverished horse trainer Lloyd Bourdelle (Walter Matthau) and his three sons.