On May 17, 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court made one of the most significant legal decisions of the 20th century when the justices unanimously ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional. The decision in Brown v. Board of Education was a major victory for the civil rights movement and dramatically altered American society.
To commemorate the 70th anniversary of that landmark decision, Paramount Home Entertainment will re-release writer/director George Stevens, Jr.’s Emmy® Award-winning masterpiece Separate But Equal on DVD on May 7, 2024. Starring Academy Award® winners Sidney Poitier and Burt Lancaster, and featuring performances by Oscar® nominee Jeffrey Wright and Emmy winners Richard Kiley and Cleavon Little, this powerful miniseries premiered in April of 1991 and received widespread critical acclaim. A magnificent and exhilarating dramatization of a critical turning point in the nation’s history, Separate But Equal is a phenomenal achievement and one of the greatest courtroom dramas ever made.
In addition to the feature presentation, the DVD includes the 1954 CBS News Special “See It Now: A Study of Two Cities” hosted by Edward R. Murrow.
SYNOPSIS
Oscar® winner Sidney Poitier gives a commanding performance in Separate But Equal, the fascinating true story of the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision that became the first major victory in the battle for civil rights in America. It began in small-town South Carolina and blossomed into the most important judicial decision of the 20th century. At its heart lies an incredible tale of national policy created by a cunning lawyer, powerful back-room deals, and the desire of a small boy to live the American Dream. This compelling, evocative drama co-stars Academy Award® winner Burt Lancaster in his poignant final role as legendary attorney John W. Davis.
*Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special and Miniseries, 1991
**Best Actor, Lilies of the Field, 1963
***Best Actor, Elmer Gantry, 1960
*Best Actor, American Fiction, 2023
**Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series, Picket Fences, 1994
**Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, Dear John, 1989
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I’m a dedicated aficionado of all things movies, pop culture, and entertainment. With a passion for storytelling and a love for the silver screen, I’m constantly immersed in the world of cinema, exploring new releases, classics, and hidden gems alike. As a fervent advocate for the power of film to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought, I enjoy sharing my insights, reviews, and recommendations with fellow enthusiasts.