Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist is a 1979 American short documentary film directed by Saul J. Turell.Criterion Channel In 1980, it won an Oscar at the 52nd Academy Awards for Documentary Short Subject.1980|Oscars.org It was released alongside Robeson's other films on a Criterion Collection box set in 2007.Paul Robeson: Portraits of the Artist|The Criterion CollectionAmazon.com: Paul Robeson: Portraits of the Artist (Body and Soul / Borderline / The Emperor Jones / Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist / Sanders of the River / Jericho / The Proud Valley / Native Land) (The Criterion Collection)
Plot
Production The film was directed by Saul J. Turell, a filmmaker most well known for his work in preservation, distribution, and celebration of older films through his work in the companies Sterling Films and Janus Films. Turell had decided to create the film after feeling a frustration that Robeson was so little known in the 1970's. Following research, he decided to focus on the changing meaning and lyrics of Robeson's performances "Ol' Man River" as a guiding point for the story.
Cast Paul Robeson as himself (archive footage) Sidney Poitier as narrator (voice) Margaret Webster as herself - director of Othello (voice, uncredited, and archive footage)
References
External links Paul Robeson: Tribute to an Artist at Janus Films
Criterion Collection