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
An outstanding performance by James Earl Jones playing the pastor Vernon johns, and he does not mince his words. Some parts make you laugh, cry, and angry, but ultimately it inspires. His words "If you see a good fight, get in it" really sum up the man who inspired history. The supporting cast are excellent with Nicole leach (who plays his daughter) just trying to fit in to a society which is happy to keep her as a 2nd class citizen. Many at the time felt to scared to rock the boat, apart from Johns who in his own words is a "boat rocker"! Althougth i watched this film for the first time about 15 years ago, it has stayed with me and i wished that more people could see it, even if it may teach a lesson about history and about the fact that behind great men there is often other great men without whom they would have never become..well, Great!
Details
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- Country of origin
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- 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