Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed

Overview

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.

CastView All Credits

Joe Louis

Himself (archive footage)

Joe Louis Barro

Himself

Dick Gregory

Himself

Jack Johnson

Himself (archive footage)

Liev Schreiber

Narrator

Randy Roberts

Himself

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