What it’s about
In this recounting of events leading to the Supreme Court’s 1954 landmark ruling on school desegregation, Sidney Poitier stars as Thurgood Marshall, the future Supreme Court Justice who, on behalf of a small black community in South Carolina, squares off against John W. Davis (Lancaster) in the courtroom of Chief Justice Earl Warren (Kiley).
Why we love it
Originally a TV movie aired in two parts, this Emmy-winning film should be required viewing for kids age 12 and up. Poitier is perfectly cast as Marshall, who in 1950 was lead attorney for the struggling, undermanned N.A.A.C.P. Featuring a mellow Lancaster in his final role and a memorable supporting turn by Kiley as Earl Warren, “Separate” is an invaluable rendering of an historic moment in our country’s evolution. Sidney does Mr. Marshall proud.
Sidney Poitier, Burt Lancaster, Richard Kiley George Stevens Jr.