Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed 16 years old

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.

Credits

Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed Cast

Name Character
Liev Schreiber He was 40, now 57 years old as Narrator
Dick Gregory He was 75, 84 years old when he died as Himself

Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed Crew

Name Department
Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed poster
Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed (16 years)

  • Release day: Saturday, February 23, 2008
  • Runtime: 75 minutes