Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (film)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry is a 1978 American television film directed by Jack Smight and starring Claudia McNeil, Janet MacLachlan and Morgan Freeman. It is based on Mildred D. Taylor's Newbery Award-winning 1976 novel of the same name.[1] The film was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.[2][3]
| Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry | |
|---|---|
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| Based on | Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor |
| Screenplay by | Arthur Heinemann |
| Directed by | Jack Smight |
| Starring | Claudia McNeil Janet MacLachlan Morgan Freeman |
| Theme music composer | Fred Karlin |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language(s) | English |
| Production | |
| Producer(s) | Jean Anne Moore |
| Cinematography | Robert B. Hauser |
| Editor(s) | Frank J. Urioste |
| Running time | 95 minutes |
| Production company(s) | Tomorrow Entertainment |
| Release | |
| Original network | ABC[1] |
| Original release | June 2, 1978 |
Plot
Set in 1933 Mississippi, this TV pilot film focuses on the Logans, a closely knit, fiercely independent African American family. In Part One, the Logans spearhead a boycott against a bigoted merchant. In part two, Mary Logan is fired from her teaching job for detailing the history of slavery to her students.[4]
Cast
- Claudia McNeil as Big Ma
- Janet MacLachlan as Mary Logan
- Robert Christian as David Logan
- Larry B. Scott as T.J.
- Roy Poole as Granger
- Rockne Tarkington as Morrison
- John Cullum as Mr. Jamison
- Morgan Freeman as Uncle Hammer
- Lark Ruffin as Cassie
- Tony Ross as Stacey
- Rodney King Adams as Christopher John
Production
The film was shot in Mississippi.[1] and aired on ABC.
Accolades
The Primetime Emmy Awards are presented by the American Academy of Television Arts & Sciences.
Primetime Emmy Awards
| Year | Category | Nominated work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1978 | Best Cinematography | Robert B. Hauser | Nominated |
| Best Sound Editing | William L. Stevenson Richard Raderman | Nominated | |
References
- Fraser, C. Gerald (28 May 1978). "Drama of Black Family Will Be TV Miniseries". The New York Times. Retrieved 4 July 2017.
- Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry Lit Link Gr. 4-6. 9781770722637. ISBN 9781770722637.page 59
- A Study Guide for Mildred D. Taylor's "Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry". Gale, Cengage Learning. ISBN 9781410356925.
- https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/roll_of_thunder_hear_my_cry