Death of a Prophet
1981 American TV series or program
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Death of a Prophet is a 1981 television film, written and directed by Woodie King Jr., and starring Morgan Freeman as Malcolm X.[1][2]
| Death of a Prophet | |
|---|---|
| Genre |
|
| Written by | Woodie King Jr. |
| Directed by | Woodie King Jr. |
| Starring | Morgan Freeman |
| Theme music composer | Max Roach |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Editor | Charles Sessoms |
| Running time | 60 mins |
| Original release | |
| Release | June 2, 1981 |
Cast
- Morgan Freeman as Malcolm X
- Yolanda King as Betty Shabazz
- Ossie Davis as himself
- Yuri Kochiyama as herself
- Amiri Baraka as himself
Reception
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that the film "will stimulate discussion, but it won't shed any light on the [assassination] itself... To say Death of a Prophet takes liberties with the facts is an understatement, but the degree to which it does can be a bit irritating at times... Still, the film manages to capture an essential truth — Malcolm X was perceived in some circles and our government as a dangerous man because of his eloquence, self-discipline and unswerving dedication to black liberation."[3]
Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide called the film a "low-budget but involving drama (with some documentary scenes) about the last day in the life of a black American leader. He's clearly supposed to be Malcolm X, though that name is not mentioned. Freeman is excellent, and the film's documentary style is effective."[4]
