Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed

Synopsis

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

Main Cast

Joe Louis

Himself (archive footage)

Age : N/A | Popularity : 5%

Joe Louis Barrow Jr.

Himself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Dick Gregory

Himself

Age : 84 | Popularity : 3%

Jack Johnson

Himself (archive footage)

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Liev Schreiber

Narrator

Age : 56 | Popularity : 39%

Randy Roberts

Himself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Gerald Early

Himself

Age : N/A | Popularity : 3%

Maya Angelou

Herself

Age : 86 | Popularity : 4%

Crew

Department	Role	Name
Directing	Director	Ouisie Shapiro
Writing	Writer	Ouisie Shapiro
Editing	Editor	Ultan Byrne
Department	Role	Name

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