Andover ProductionsIntegration Report I (1960)

Documentary showing the civil rights movement in 1959 and 1960: sit-ins, marches, boycotts and rallies in Montgomery, Ala., Brooklyn, N.Y., and Washington, D.C. Directed by Madeline Anderson.

This item is part of the collection: Prelinger Archives

Producer: Andover Productions
Audio/Visual: Sd, B&W
Keywords: African Americans; Social issues; Racism

Creative Commons license: Public Domain

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Reviewer: Tara M - - November 22, 2004
Subject: Albert Maysles, cinematographer

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.

Reviewer: Christine Hennig - - January 6, 2004
Subject: We Shall Overcome Someday...

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: ****.

Reviewer: Spuzz - - August 20, 2003
Subject: Segregation Roundup 1960

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.

Reviewer: Robert Penn - - April 17, 2003
Subject: Before the March on Washington

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.

Shotlist

A documentary showing sit-ins, marches, boycotts and rallies in 1959 and 1960. Includes such events as the first mass marches in Montgomery, Alabama, reactions against police brutality in Brooklyn and protests against the prejudiced treatment of Negroes in court.


Civil rights movement African Americans Black history and culture Social issues Direct action New York City (history and culture)