What It’s About
Neither charismatic nor telegenic, former columnist Ed Sullivan was the unlikely host of a one-of-a-kind program in the early days of television. The Ed Sullivan Show lasted two decades and became appointment viewing for millions of Americans on Sunday nights. Beyond launching acts like Elvis and the Beatles, Sullivan defied southern CBS affiliates by inviting top African American artists to perform, including Louis Armstrong, Harry Belafonte, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Ike and Tina Turner, and many more.
Why We Love It
Jenkins’ fascinating, nostalgic doc brings back the glory days of television and the hugely influential show hosted by the stone-faced Sullivan, who we learn fought engrained prejudice to showcase emerging black artists in jazz, rock and soul. Growing up the child of Irish immigrants in New York, he’d experienced discrimination first-hand, and fought back. Beyond being color blind, Sullivan also had a keen eye for talent. “Sunday Best” combines archival footage with current day interviews (Belafonte’s a highlight) to bring back a special time in America, and the show that helped define it.