Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist

Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist is an American documentary from the year 1979.

Action

The film describes the life of the singer and actor Paul Robeson (1898-1976 ). The black actor and graduate lawyer came by chance on the film and celebrated in the 1920s and 1930s successes on the big screen and on stage. During a stay in London, he came into contact with socialism and saw in him the right political force for the future.

Although not a member of the Communist Party Robeson was occupied during the McCarthy era with a performance ban in the U.S.. In 1958 he was allowed to leave the country. Robeson played back in the UK and also appeared in the GDR, where he presented communist songs and the social conditions of his home country criticized.

Awards

1980 the film in the category of Best Short Documentary was awarded the Oscar.

Background

The premiere took place in October 1979 at the Chicago International Film Festival.

Narrator of the film is Sidney Poitier.