Jack Johnson (film)

Jack Johnson is an American documentary from the year 1970.

Action

With photographs and newsreels the life of the black heavyweight boxer Jack Johnson is worked up. Beginning of the 20th century begins Johnson with his sport. In 1908 he wins in Australia, the world heavyweight championship against Tommy Burns. In " Fight of the Century ", he suggests 1910 James J. Jeffries. Johnson makes a race against the race car driver Barney Oldfield. In 1915, he is subject to a scandal-ridden fight Jess Willard in Havana.

After his boxing career Johnson's life is turbulent. He married successively three white women. In Chicago, he was arrested and convicted of debauchery. Johnson fled to Europe and returns later voluntarily returned to the USA to begin his prison sentence in federal prison Leavenworth. In Russia he met Rasputin, in Spain, he made ​​his way as an amateur bullfighter. Back in the U.S., Johnson worked in Hollywood in small movies. In the 1930s, he's the star of a flea circus in Manhattan. 1946 Jack Johnson dies in an auto accident.

Criticism

AH Weiler of the New York Times described the film as surprisingly alive and fascinating and praised the meticulous composition of the film material.

Even Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun- Times confirms that the film fascination, but he complains that the film footage is not necessarily the people Jack Johnson fathom. You 'll be left with the public figure alone.

Awards

1971, the film was nominated in the category Best Documentary Oscar.

Background

The premiere of the film took place in Detroit on July 25, 1970.

Jim Jacobs and William Clayton had previously worked together on two documentaries about boxers, including for Legendary Champions (1968).

One message of Daily Variety According to the film has the author Howard Sackler inspired to write his stage play The Great White Hope, in 1970 filmed by Martin Ritt with James Earl Jones.

The actor Brock Peters gave Jack Johnson his voice.

The soundtrack comes from the album A Tribute to Jack Johnson, the Miles Davis recorded in early 1970.