Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me

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Sammy Davis, Jr.: I've Gotta Be Me

2017

1h 40m

Documentary

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100%

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20 Reviews

100%

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

The life and career of the singer, dancer and actor told through interviews with the stars who knew him.

Brian Lowry

CNN.com

This look at Davis' personal journey through a tumultuous period in US history makes this an especially rich "American Masters" documentary.

Feb 19, 2019

Full Review

Verne Gay

Newsday

A fascinating tribute to the consummate performer, this doc also sets the record straight on his politics and civil rights record.

Rated: 3.5/4

Feb 18, 2019

Full Review

Tom Long

Detroit News

"I've Gotta Be Me" showcases Davis's vast talents, but it also shines a light on his need for acceptance, his inability to curb indulgences, the groundbreaking aspects of his career and his hunger for applause.

Rated: B+

Feb 2, 2018

Full Review

Bill Brioux

Brioux.tv

This briskly entertaining look at the life of Sammy Davis, Jr. (1925 – 1990), is a portrait of a brilliant entertainer who tapped across the front lines of America’s racial divide.

Rated: 4/5

Nov 5, 2022

Full Review

Cate Marquis

We Are Movie Geeks

[It] is a thoroughly enjoyable film.

Apr 24, 2019

Full Review

Roger Catlin

rogercatlin.com

A complete look at [Sammy Davis, Jr's] many sides, from the pint-sized tap whiz to adult crooner and foundry-breaker.

Feb 19, 2019

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Audience Member

A well made documentary that shows the life of Sammy Davis Junior. The documentary goes into a lot of detail of the activism, the country at the time, and the challenges he faced. I would've liked to see a little bit more about his movie career in the documentary and it is a little bit long and predictable but for fans of Sammy Davis it's well worth watching.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

06/23/18

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Sam Pollard

Director

Harry Belafonte

Self

Tony Bennett

Self

May Britt

Self

Diahann Carroll

Self

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Synopsis

The life and career of the singer, dancer and actor told through interviews with the stars who knew him.

Director: Sam Pollard
Producer: Sally Rosenthal
Screenwriter: Laurence Maslon
Production Co: American Masters
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Feb 21, 2019
Runtime: 1h 40m

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