Backdrop image for movie Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed

Joe Louis: America's Hero Betrayed (2008)

An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

  • Documentary

Top billed cast

  • Photo of Joe LouisJoe LouisSelf (archive footage)
  • Photo of Joe Louis Barrow Jr.Joe Louis Barrow Jr.Self
  • Photo of Dick GregoryDick GregorySelf
  • Photo of Jack JohnsonJack JohnsonSelf (archive footage)
  • Photo of Liev SchreiberLiev SchreiberNarrator
  • Photo of Randy RobertsRandy RobertsSelf
  • Photo of Gerald EarlyGerald EarlySelf
  • Photo of Maya AngelouMaya AngelouSelf
  • Photo of Bill CosbyBill CosbySelf
  • Photo of Jimmy CarterJimmy CarterSelf

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