Nothing But a Man (1964)

88% of critics liked it
(8 reviews)
77% of users liked it
(622 ratings)

A landmark independent film, Nothing but a Man is the first dramatic story featuring a largely black cast created for an integrated audience (the work of black filmmakers such as Oscar Micheaux was intended for audiences who patronized black-only theaters). White filmmakers Michael Roemer and Robert… More A landmark independent film, Nothing but a Man is the first dramatic story featuring a largely black cast created for an integrated audience (the work of black filmmakers such as Oscar Micheaux was intended for audiences who patronized black-only theaters). White filmmakers Michael Roemer and Robert M. Young traveled through the South in 1962 in search of ideas for a fiction feature set during the growing turbulence of the civil rights era. Their story, based in Alabama but shot in southern New Jersey, is only tangentially related to the movement toward equality. Duff, an itinerant black railroad laborer (Ivan Dixon), romances and marries Josie, a small-town preacher's daughter (Abbey Lincoln). Duff insists on being treated with respect, but his stance is personal rather than political. After he settles down in the town with Josie, he comes up against white bosses who want to make sure he knows his place and black men such as Josie's father who don't want to rock the boat for fear of losing what little advantage they have. Duff's relationship with his own father (Julius Harris), a broken-down drunk living in Birmingham, teaches him valuable lessons about dignity and self-worth. The film was lauded at both the New York and Venice festivals but received limited release in theaters specializing in foreign and independent film. However, word of mouth in the black community (where Nothing but a Man was for years a staple on the 16 mm rental market, in the days before VCRs) and continued attention by film historians have ensured the status of Nothing but a Man as a pioneering and enduring work. ~ Tom Wiener, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 32 min.
Directed By: Michael Roemer
Written By: Robert M. Young, Michael Roemer
Genres: Drama, Classics

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1963 Wide
On DVD: Sep 28, 2004
Studio: New Video

Critic Reviews

Donald J. Levit, ReelTalk Movie Reviews
It is difficult to fathom the long obscurity of this sincere, compassionate film.
James Plath, Movie Metropolis
an uplifting film that goes beyond issues of race, class, and prejudice

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Moe E

I became engrossed with Nothing But a Man recently, which is the story of a young, black man in Alabama of the 1960's and his journey in becoming a strong and responsible husband and father. In a way, it feels as though you're watching a documentary. Excellent work from Ivan… More
I became engrossed with Nothing But a Man recently, which is the story of a young, black man in Alabama of the 1960's and his journey in becoming a strong and responsible husband and father. In a way, it feels as though you're watching a documentary. Excellent work from Ivan Dixon (Kinch...for those familiar w/ Hogan's Hero), Abbey Lincoln, Gloria Foster, Julius Harris and Yaphet Kotto with bit parts for Moses Gunn and Richard Ward.
Jojo S

A man trying to make a voice while making inner changes for himself. I thought the main character's father (Harris) played an outstanding role for being an alcoholic father who never cared about his son.

Cast

            Ivan Dixon as Duff Anderson

            Abbey Lincoln as Josie Dawson

            Gloria Foster as Lee

            Martin Priest as Driver

            Leonard Parker as Frankie

            Yaphet Kotto as Jocko

            Helen Lounck as Effie Simms

            Milton Williams as Pop

            Mel Stewart as Riddick

            Helene Anindell as Doris

            Jay Brooks as Undertaker

            Peter Carew as Store Keeper

            Stanley Green as Rev. Dawson

            Moses Gunn as Mill Hands

            Julius Harris as Will Anderson

            Gertrude Jeanette as Mrs. Dawson

            William Jordan as Teenager

            Tom Ligon as Teenager

            Charles MacRae as Joe

            Alfred Puryear as Barney

            Gil Rogers as Mill Foreman

            Esther Rolle as Church Woman

            Walter Wilson as Car Owner

            Richard Ward as Mill Hands

            William Phillips as Car Passenger

            Jim Wright as Bartender

            Richard Weber as Bud Ellis

            Ed Rowan as Willie

            Robert Berger as Desk Clerk

            Dorothy Hall as Soloist

            Julius W. Harris
            
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