James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket

The Legendary Author and Civil Rights Activist

Part of the Series: California Newsreel Essential Collection

James Baldwin (1924-1987) was at once a major twentieth century American author, a Civil Rights activist and, for two crucial decades, a prophetic voice calling Americans, Black and white, to confront their shared racial tragedy. JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF A TICKET captures on film the passionate intellect and courageous writing of a man who was born black, impoverished, gay and gifted.

JAMES BALDWIN: THE PRICE OF A TICKET uses striking archival footage to evoke the atmosphere of Baldwin's formative years - the Harlem of the 30s, his father's fundamentalist church and the emigre demimonde of postwar Paris. Newsreel clips from the '60's record Baldwin's running commentary on the drama of the Civil Rights movement. The film also explores his quiet retreats in Paris, the South of France, Istanbul and Switzerland - places where Baldwin was able to write away from the racial tensions of America.

Official Selection at the Berlin International Film Festival. Official Selection at the Sundance Film Festival.

"A haunting, beautifully made biography! Deeply passionate. Makes you wonder about the other American masters in the ghettos and barrios who won't be able to beat the odds and break out." - The Los Angeles Times