Color Adjustment

"A History of African American Portrayal on Television"

Jan 29 1992 Unrated 1h 26m
Documentary

From Amos 'n' Andy to Nat King Cole, from Roots to The Cosby Show, black people have played many roles on primetime television. Brilliantly weaving clips from classic TV shows with commentary from TV producers, black actors and scholars, Marlon Riggs blends humor, insight, and thoughtful analysis to explore the evolution of black/white relations as reflected by America's favorite addiction.

Plot

An analysis of the evolution of television's earlier unflattering portrayal of African-Americans from 1948 until 1988, when they are depicted as prosperous and having achieved the American Dream, a portrayal that is inconsistent with reality. Black actors Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, Denise Nicholas, and Tim Reid and Hollywood producers Norman Lear, Steve Bochco, and David Wolper reveal the behind-the-scenes story of how prime time was "integrated." Revisiting the programs "Beulah," "The Nat King Cole Show," "Julia," "I Spy," "Good Times," and "Roots," viewers see how bitter racial conflict was absorbed into non-controversial series.

Written by

Marlon Riggs

Directed by

Marlon Riggs

Cast

Ruby Dee, Steven Bochco, Diahann Carroll

Crew

View crew

Production Countries

United States of America

Languages

English

Awards

3 wins & 1 nomination

Trailers
Color Adjustment
Scores
# of Votes
432
Average Rating
7.4 out of 10
Metascore
NA
Popularity
NA