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Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9781572525948
Format: Black & White, Color, DVD-Video, Subtitled, NTSC
ISBN: 1572525940
Label: Winstar
Manufacturer: Winstar
Number Of Items: 1
Picture Format: Academy Ratio
Publisher: Winstar
Release Date: August 24, 1999
Running Time: 117 minutes
Sales Rank: 47605
Studio: Winstar
Theatrical Release Date: August 21, 1999
Editorial Review:
Amazon.com:
If Paul Robeson (1898-1976) is remembered at all these days, it's most likely as the booming baritone on the definitive version of 'Ol' Man River.' But Robeson, as this serious, nearly two-hour 1999 documentary makes plain, was a great deal more than that. A world-renowned singer and actor, athlete, orator, activist, socialist, and patriot, he was most likely the most famous black man in the world in the mid-20th century. Robeson's conscience was indefatigable; he wasn't always right, but he never backed down from his enemies, principally imperialism and 'conservative capitalism.' He paid a heavy price, from ostracism to outright persecution, for maintaining his principles. Here I Stand details all of it, with the usual interviews and film clips highlighted by a great deal of footage (performances, interviews, speeches) of Robeson himself. This fascinating story of a great man's life and work also includes a discography, filmography, and complete chronology. --Sam Graham
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating: - An amazing life
This is an incredible documentary about the life and career of the legendary Paul Robeson, and covers the good along with the bad. Less than positive aspects of his life, such as how he cheated on his wife, are dealt with openly and honestly instead of being excused or glossed over. His life really typified all that is both good and bad about America. He was a poor African-American boy whose father urged him to make a better life for himself, and he became an all-star football player at college ... Read More
Rating: - Captures all of the major issues
The content of this film has already been discussed, but fans will be pleased that most of the major issues dealing with Robeson, his career, and the controversy are all handled well in the allotted time. It also does not shy from some of the less flattering aspects of his career (such as his actual knowledge of Stalin's crimes, but his refusal to openly speak on this because he felt his bigger enemies were at home), but this is handled well and you come away with a good idea of what the man was about ... Read More
Rating:  - An Excellent Introduction to the Man
This "American Masters" volume directed by St. Clair Bourne is an excellent centennial introduction to the life and times of Paul Robeson, one of the greatest Americans of the twentieth century. The video's content has already been discussed by other reviewers and I have nothing to add on that score, other than to recommend three other fine books that people interested in finding out more might enjoy.
First is Martin Bauml Duberman's biography of Robeson, published in 1989. This is the best ... Read More
Rating: - americas shame
this dvd shows how robeson was caught up in international politics and paid with his life. he was years ahead of his time, a one man civil rights movement careering into the mccarthyite era, a dangerous place to be, but he did not shirk: " i have made my choice, i have no alternative." his mission?" all men are brothers because of thier music." still misunderstood by the american conciousness, this dvd goes some way to explaining robeson's political manoevers and also demonstrates the huge american support ... Read More
Rating: - Fascinating and Compelling
This documentary is probably one of the best biopics I've seen in a long time--it's incredibly moving, it told a compelling story I wanted to keep listening to, and it devoted enough time and attention to its subject so that by the end you really felt you knew something about the man.
The reviewer on this page did an excellent job of summarizing the content of the documentary, though I disagree with her about the Robeson films shown. That section of the movie dragged for me. It's true that in role ... Read More
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