Deacons for Defense
2005 · 95 min · ★ 6.4 · Drama, TV Movie
Inspired by a true story, this drama is set in 1965, not long after passage of the Civil Rights Act. Despite the Act, the African-American citizens of Bogalusa are still treated like third-class citizens, their fundamental rights as human beings persistently trampled by the white power structure, in general, and the local branch of the KKK. The story follows the formation of local black men, particularly ex-war veterans who after the struggles become too overbearing organizes the group, "Deacons for defense", an all-black defense group dedicated to patrolling the black section of town and protecting its residents from the more violent aspects of "white backlash."
Directed by Bill Duke · Written by Frank Military
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Cast
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Forest Whitaker Marcus Clay -
Jonathan Silverman Michael Deane -
Chris Britton William Chase -
Ossie Davis Reverend 'Rev' Gregory -
Tyrone Benskin Archie -
Mpho Koaho Bailey -
Melanie Nicholls-King Rose Clay - A Adam Weiner Charles Hillibrand
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Boyd Banks Weber -
Paul Benjamin Otis - A Aaron Walpole Jimmy
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Beau Starr Neely
Make it a double feature
3h 12m together
Both from Bill Duke.
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