Posted on 03/11/2002 2:59:08 AM PST by Jethro Tull
The NAACP acknowledged "the remarkable artistic merit" of the film when it was first released, but decried "the impression it gives of an idyllic master-slave relationship". Disney re-released the film in 1956, but then kept it out of circulation all throughout the turbulent civil rights era of the 1960s. In 1970 Disney announced in Variety that Song of the South had been "permanently" retired, but the studio eventually changed its mind and re-released the film in 1972, 1981, and again in 1986 for a fortieth anniversary celebration. Although the film has only been released to the home video market in various European and Asian countries, Disney's reluctance to market it in the USA is not a reaction to an alleged threat by the NAACP to boycott Disney products. The NAACP fielded objections to Song of the South when it premiered, but it has no current position on the movie.
The two most awaited movies on video are (were) "McLintock" with John Wayne (and that's out now), and "Song of the South". If (when) Disney does release it, it'll make a fortune and will be the biggest selling video of all time. I wouldn't bet on it staying in the can forever.
And as for me, I've got a laughing place cuz' I've had a copy for a long time!
When I was in medical school in the mid-90's, I mentioned this movie to one of the school secretaries (a black lady). I made her a VHS copy of the movie. Not only did she watch it, but it made the rounds of every black person she new. They LOVED the movie, and were so glad they were finally able to see it. (They also loved the copies of "Carmen Jones" and "Green Pastures" that I loaned them.)
I guess they didn't know they were supposed to be offended.
About three years ago, when I asked Blockbuster to get me a copy, the guy told me it was not offered any more. Doing a websearch, I now see that you can get it from places like CDNow. I stand corrected, thanks!
Now i understand why Hollywood is just as concerned about foreign opinion than American opinions. This might explain part of why (just a part) they are not overtly patriotic in the aftermath of 911. I never expect Hollywood to go back to the way they were doing the second world war but they seem to be bending backwards not to be patriotic..not to offend Europe or Asia which seems to fear American nationalism and patriotism...
It's that simple.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.