This is a really important collection of events of some lesser known events of the Civil Rights Movement. Along with Dr. King and Bayard Rustin at the largely forgotten 1959 March on Washington (overshadowed by the one in 1963) and the events described by other reviewers, there is an intriguing interview with Robert F. Williams, who was in some ways Dr. King's rival in that he advocated violent self-defense. This is available on DVD on Mill Creek Entertainment's Black History Set.

I was wondering if anyone noticed that Albert Maysles, famed documentary filmmaker who made Grey Gardens, Gimme Shelter, and Salesman to name a few, was one of the cameramen on Integration Report. It's not surprising, because the cinematography in this modest but wonderful documentary really sets it apart. I particularly responded to the close-ups of activists faces in the crowd.

This grass-roots film from 1960 documents the major protests in the struggle for civil rights for African-Americans. Included are the sit-ins at drugstore lunch counters in the south, Jackie Robinson protesting segregation at airports, a major march on Washington which included many white college students among the protestors, and the struggle to get children into primarily white public schools in New York City. Speeches by most of the major civil rights leaders, including Martin Luther King, Jr. are also featured. This is a well-made, understated film that mainly lets the images and the speeches speak for themselves. The soundtrack features folksongs and African-American religious songs that inspired the protestors at the time. It all adds up to an interesting, historically important document of the civil rights struggle.
Ratings: Camp/Humor Value: N/A. Weirdness: ***. Historical Interest: *****. Overall Rating: ****.

A fairly interesting, but not groundbreaking documentary of the goings on in the deep south during the 1959-1960 period. Scenes of the Walk on Washington, the Lunch Counter controversies and school integration problems are shown, with the usual rabblerousters (eg Banyard Rustin, Martin Luther King Jr etc). Not bad actually, as a lot of these scenes I've never actually seen before, so it was educational. Quite fascinating that the narrator made a point to point out the several white people who participated in the marches as well. Finally, a nice score, with a Maya Angelou tune in it as well.

This film provides a great deal of background information about the Civil Rights movement before Martin Luther King's famous "I have a dream" speech. Anyone interested in knowing a little more about the late 50's will benefit greatly from viewing this piece. Footage of both Bayard Rustin and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as, lesser known advocates of integration are featured. The importance of youth in promoting integration is featured. It is too bad that Part II of Integration Report is not available. Important Note: Maya Angelou is one of the people who provides vocals. I cannot give this film more than a three star rating because it or its director is burdened with the naivete of the time.