Nothing But A Man Directed by Michael Roemer, 1964

Extraordinarily eloquent and pure. - Janet Maslin, The New York Times

A landmark independent film, NOTHING BUT MAN is one of the most sincere and sensitive pictures ever made about the struggles and hardships of Black life in 1960s America. Lauded by critics at the Venice and New York film festivals when it first premiered in 1963, this quietly moving, beautiful film remains as relevant and powerful today as it was then.

Set against the stirrings of the civil rights movement and a rising wave of burgeoning Black pride, NOTHING BUT A MAN tells the story of Duff, a railroad section hand, who is forced to confront racial prejudice and self-denial when he falls in love with Josie, an educated preacher’s daughter. Starring Ivan Dixon (“Porgy and Bess,” “A Raisin in the Sun”) and jazz great Abbey Lincoln in performances Siskel & Ebert called “terrific,” it is ultimately an uplifting story about a man and a woman whose love overcomes racial and class barriers. The original soundtrack features Motown stars like Stevie Wonder, Mary Wells, Martha and the Vandellas, The Miracles, and The Marvelettes.

From acclaimed director Michael Roemer, NOTHING BUT A MAN is a devastatingly powerful film about living life without the basic necessities of dignity and respect. Watching this film, we are forced to confront not only what we were but what we are, how far we’ve come, and how far we still have to go. To celebrate its 40th anniversary, this groundbreaking American classic is available for the first time ever on DVD.

Bonus Features

The Cast and Crew: 40 Years Later; Short Film: Portrait of Abbey; Extensive Liner Notes with Original Stills from the Film; Cast and Crew Biographies; Interactive Menus; Scene Selection