Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment (1963) is a documentary, directed by Robert Drew. It stars James Lipscomb and John F. Kennedy. It holds a mirror to racism and the struggle for freedom. The 52-minute film holds an audience score of 6.9/10.
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What Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment Is About
Robert Drew's 1963 documentary records the two days around the enrolment of two Black students at the University of Alabama. The state governor opposes it and the federal government intervenes; the film is present in the White House, beside the governor and among the students. The method was new for its time. Drew and his team worked with light cameras, conducted no interviews and used no narration; events were recorded as they happened and moments of decision seen directly. The level of access remains unusual even now. Discussions in the president's office, the attorney general's phone calls and the governor's preparations all appear in the same film. The result is a first-hand record of how a political crisis was managed. Who it's for: those interested in the direct cinema tradition and American political history. Who it's not for: viewers expecting context; the film explains nothing and assumes knowledge of the period.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment about?
Robert Drew's 1963 documentary records the two days around the enrolment of two Black students at the University of Alabama. The state governor opposes it and the federal government intervenes; the film is present in the White House, beside the governor and among the students.
Where can I watch Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment?
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment is available to watch on digital platforms such as Criterion Channel, HBO Max, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies. Current rent and buy options are listed in the "Where to Watch" section on this page.
How long is Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment?
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment runs for 52 minutes (52m).
When did Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment come out?
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment was released in 1963.
Who directed Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment?
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment was directed by Robert Drew, Richard Leacock, D. A. Pennebaker, Hope Ryden and James Lipscomb.
Who stars in Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment?
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment stars James Lipscomb, John F. Kennedy, George Wallace, Robert F. Kennedy.
What is Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment's rating?
Crisis: Behind a Presidential Commitment holds 7.7/10 on IMDb and 6.9/10 on TMDB. Its Pulse Score is 71 out of 100.
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