King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones

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1:59

Released Sep 20

1h 38m

Documentary

History

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2 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

Gangster for some, hero for others, who was really Edward Jones? In the '30s and '40s, this descendant of slaves becomes one of the richest men in the US thanks to the Policy business, an illegal numbers game that ultimately became the modern State Lottery. But in these times of segregation, his success and unfailing support to the African American community are a problem. In conflict with both the mob and the Feds, he is forced into a life on the run. Exploring the rise and fall of the most famous Policy King of all times, the filmmaker, Edward Jones' granddaughter, uncovers an unparalleled story, while showing the lasting repercussions of his untold story, both within her family, and for Chicago's South Side where he once embodied the American dream. Love, success, violence, revenge, mafia, murder, betrayal, prison, kidnapping... Edward Jones' story holds all the best ingredients of gangster movies. Add segregation and you have a very explosive cocktail!

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Peter Sobczynski

RogerEbert.com

“King of Kings” is a story of someone exploring their familial roots and coming to terms with the unexpectedly vast and far-reaching legacy they manage to uncover along the way.

Sep 18, 2024

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Sarah Vincent

Sarah G Vincent Views

"King of Kings” becomes a story of how racism created the conditions for the intelligent Jones brothers to prioritize a practical path to prosperity instead of proper poverty, the usual option in a segregated system

Sep 27, 2024

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MannySota

Mannnnn, I SUPREMELY LOVED IT! I've already read the text that Nathan Thompson authored. But, this seemed to tell so much more. Especially things about his family. And most of all, being able to hear his voice when he was made to testify. I'd certainly love to view again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/26/24

Full Review

Jake S

I really loved this film. I live in Chicago and learned so much about my own cities history (along with an impressive amount of archival footage that was amazing to see). The focus of the film, Edward Jones, is an intensely interesting man who's life deserved to be honored with this film, what an incredible story!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/01/24

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Helen M

Absolutely amazing! A truly incredible story that everyone should see!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/28/24

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Harriet Marin Jones

Director

Quincy Jones

Self

Timuel Black

Self

Sylvie Laurent

Self

Robert M. Lombardo

Self

Johanna Marin Coles

Self

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King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

Director: Harriet Marin Jones
Screenwriter: Harriet Marin Jones, Michel Fessler, Giles Gardner, Harriet Marin Jones
Production Co: Abélart Productions
Genre: Documentary, History
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Sep 20, 2024, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 19, 2024
Runtime: 1h 38m

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King of Kings: Chasing Edward Jones

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