This inspirational saga follows the life of controversial pastor Vernon Johns - now known as the father of the civil rights movement.This inspirational saga follows the life of controversial pastor Vernon Johns - now known as the father of the civil rights movement.This inspirational saga follows the life of controversial pastor Vernon Johns - now known as the father of the civil rights movement.
Photos
Nicolle Rochelle
- Baby Dee
- (as Nicole Leach)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaVernon Johns was the immediate predecessor to Martin Luther King as senior pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama, serving from 1947 to 1952.
- GoofsAfter one of his parishioners is raped, Rev. Johns has his daughter post his Sunday Sermon announcement on the church sign. The sign shows the name of the church, Sunday Service 11:00 AM, and "Dr. Vernon Johns, Pastor", and between the service time and Johns name is 'WHEN THE RAPIST IS WHITE', with single quote marks before and after. In the next scene, Johns is called to see a judge, who shows Johns a picture of the sign with the Sunday Sermon announcement, except the picture shows "WHEN THE RAPIST IS WHITE" with double quote marks before and after, and with the Sermon announcement above the service time, and instead of 'Dr. Vernon Johns, Pastor', it reads 'Rev. Dr. Vernon Johns' with 'Pastor' on a separate line below his name.
- Quotes
Vernon Johns: This boy lived a trifling and worthless life. He went around Montgomery daring someone to cut his throat. Saturday night somebody obliged him. He lived like a dog; he died like a dog. Undertaker, claim the body. Choir, sing.
- Crazy creditsThe Producers acknowledge the significant contribution of author, Taylor Branch, to the public awareness of the life of Reverend Vernon Johns.
- ConnectionsFeatures The Dentist (1932)
Featured review
This film was a surprise in that it tells, and tells extraordinarily well, Reverend Vernon Johns' courage and conviction and struggle for equality in America in the Alabama of the 1960's just prior to the arrival of Dr. Martin King Jr. on the scene.
James Earl Jones is thoroughly convincing in the role and he delivers the performance of his career in this true story.
He breaches the barriers of white prejudice and tells it like it is for the white power that existed then, and alas, at times today. Jones is ably supported by a great cast and intelligent script and direction. I loved the freeze frames fading to black and white.
Well done, all! 8 out of 10.
James Earl Jones is thoroughly convincing in the role and he delivers the performance of his career in this true story.
He breaches the barriers of white prejudice and tells it like it is for the white power that existed then, and alas, at times today. Jones is ably supported by a great cast and intelligent script and direction. I loved the freeze frames fading to black and white.
Well done, all! 8 out of 10.
- wisewebwoman
- Nov 15, 2013
- Permalink
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- The Road to Freedom: The Vernon Johns Story
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
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Top Gap
By what name was The Vernon Johns Story (1994) officially released in Canada in English?
Answer