[.ca] Poitier, Sidney: One Bright Light (ISBN 1572527307)

From Amazon.com:
Screen legend Sidney Poitier is profiled in this insightful documentary directed by Lee Grant, who costarred with Poitier in In the Heat of the Night. As an acclaimed actor, civil rights activist, and humanitarian, Poitier has occupied a special place in America, a nation he came to as a teenage immigrant from a small island in the Bahamas. In thoughtful interview segments, Poitier recalls his early life in the Caribbean, the obstacles of racism and extreme poverty he faced in America, and his burning desire to succeed as an actor. Poitier's contribution to film is documented with clips from his early work, and tribute is paid to his vital role as a pioneer who paved the way for black actors to take on roles that were not merely racial stereotypes. Included are clips of Poitier in The Blackboard Jungle, The Defiant Ones, A Raisin in the Sun, and in a segment focusing on his later work, his portrayal of Nelson Mandela in a television production. Poitier is shown accepting his historic Oscar for Lilies of the Field and at a press conference politely but firmly informing questioners that they shouldn't only ask him "about the Negroness of my life." Interviews with Quincy Jones, James Earl Jones, Denzel Washington, and director Stanley Kramer round out a very sensitive and highly entertaining look at Poitier the actor and the man. --Robert J. McNamara

A THESPIAN'S LIFE JOURNEY:
Throughout his career, Sidney Poitier captured the hearts and minds of his audience through his outstanding acting abilities. A Raisin In the Sun, Lillies of the Field and Guess Whose Coming to Dinner? are movies in which h gave memorable performances that touch us even today. Who is this man, Poitier? One Bright Light introduces us to this man who was more than just an actor on stage or in the movies. Sidney Poitier tells about his life and rise through the film industry. His colleagues and family members also share with us tidbits regarding his life. Poitier tells of his life beginning on a small island called Cat in the Carribean and blossoming in the United States. Premature at birth, Sidney was expected to die but a clairvoyant woman predicted that this weak baby would walk among kings. Sidney shares with us is first experience of going to a movie. He had no idea as to what a movie was but after the showing his imagination ran wild. He declared that someday he would go to Hollywood to work as a cowboy. The road to Hollywood would be a long one. Identify with a young Sidney at the age of 15 encountering segregation for the first time in Florida. Share with him his determination to become an actor in New York even though he was a dish washer. Witness his growth through his varied roles. Invaritably he bought to the screen a dignity, strength and defiance of a Black man never before portrayed on the screen. Poitier's presence in Hollywood paved the way for other Black actors. He would never allow the news media to stereotype him as just a "Black" actor. He demanded respect for all of his abilities and refused to be pigeonholed. His presentation and uncompromising stance comes through this video and you can't help but feel his presence. Poitier is far more than an actor, activist and director. He stands as one of the great actors of the 20th century cinema. His story will enrapture and capture you in its humor, simplicity and dignity.