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.

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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

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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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Steve W

100 on Critics and audiences. Pretty good. A classic!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/30/25

Full Review

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

Full Review

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Sam Pollard

Director

Harry Belafonte

Self

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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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