Eyes on the Prize: Bridge to Freedom (1965) [Part 6 of 14] (1987)

Starring:

• Julian Bond

IMDB.com
"Eyes on the Prize" is an exceptional series--mostly because instead of the typical hour or half hour documentary, it's VERY thorough and very detailed---covering not just an event but the civil rights movement from 1954 through 1965--and a LOT happened during that time. This isn't surprising, as PBS has made tons of interesting and well-crafted documentaries over the years.

This is the final episode of the series. Much of it has to do with marches and especially police brutality in Selma, Alabama. While the show did not cover this, it was VERY interesting how later in life the state's governor, George Wallace, DID change significantly and did a lot to make up for his evil ways--and was seen, at his death, as a man very friendly towards Blacks! It's a shame this isn't in the film because it does say a lot about hope and redemption--but that really wasn't the purpose of the film, so I can understand it not being included. The episode concludes with the signing of the voting rights bill in 1965. Overall, it's pretty typical for the series--well done, interesting and very educational. Well worth seeing.

Transcript for "Bridge to Freedom: PBS.org