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The Order of Myths

Play trailer Poster for The Order of Myths 2008 1h 37m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 32 Reviews 71% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Although "Mardi Gras" immediately brings to mind New Orleans for most people, the first Mardi Gras in America was actually held in Mobile, Ala., over 300 years ago. Remarkably, even in 2007, the festivities remain racially segregated, with two pairs of kings and queens -- one black, one white. Filmmaker Margaret Brown takes us through the divided zones of Mobile's current Mardi Gras celebrations as numerous participants attempt to initiate an integration between black and white revelers.
The Order of Myths

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Critics Consensus

More than a documentary about the oldest Mardi Gras celebration in the south, Order of Myths encompasses the eccentric characters of Mobile and the still-lingering racial tensions that surround them.

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Critics Reviews

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Dan Kois Washington Post 11/07/2008
A well-constructed documentary about a surprising remnant of segregation in the new South, The Order of Myths gracefully explores Mobile's Mardi Gras celebrations and profiles the young people playing at royalty at these ceremonies' hearts. Go to Full Review Josh Rosenblatt Austin Chronicle 10/24/2008
3.5/5
Trapped under the weight of hundreds of years of racial animosity and mistrust, with few clues as to how to work themselves free, the celebrants of the oldest Mardi Gras in the country take refuge in their traditions. Go to Full Review Robert Abele Los Angeles Times 10/18/2008
4/5
An invaluable portrait of us-and-them America, a smart, generous, poignant, quietly disturbing movie about secrecy and hospitality. Go to Full Review Jennifer Merin About.com 04/03/2009
3.5/5
Mobile and its still-segregated Mardi Gras tradition seem to be world unto themselves, presented without reference to the wider world's pressing issues--the failing economy, environmental concerns, war in Iraq. The documentary's impressive compilation of Go to Full Review Robert Roten Laramie Movie Scope 02/11/2009
A
Reveals ceremonies that are exotic, unexpected, colorful and incredibly ritualized, layered with vast amounts of denial, submerged agendas and hypocrisy. Go to Full Review Marty Mapes Movie Habit 01/20/2009
3.5/4
Separate but equal is alive and well in America; see how it works at Mardi Gras in Mobile Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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08/10/2013 WIth every minute of this film I had less and less respect for americans in the south. I guess some people can never chagne... and "tradition" in this case is not helping. See more 10/29/2012 Really great documentary of a strong southern tradition. Highly recommended if you are from or around Mobile, AL. See more 06/12/2012 Fascinating documentary that hits a little too close to home, geographically-speaking. See more 04/18/2012 Documentary about the still-segregated Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, AL. See more 11/13/2011 Excellent film dealing with segregation of Mardi Gras festivals in Mobile, Alabama. See more 08/31/2011 This is a fascinating documentary on the almost completely segregated Mardi Gras celebrations in Mobile, Alabama. Margaret Brown somehow manages to show the splendor of both while at the same time not pulling punches when it comes to showing the racism present. An interesting film on many levels! See more Read all reviews
The Order of Myths

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Cast & Crew

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Margaret Brown

Director

Margaret Brown

Writer

Sara Alize Cross

Producer

Christine Mattsson

Executive Producer

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The Order of Myths

The Order of Myths (2008) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Although "Mardi Gras" immediately brings to mind New Orleans for most people, the first Mardi Gras in America was actually held in Mobile, Ala., over 300 years ago. Remarkably, even in 2007, the festivities remain racially segregated, with two pairs of kings and queens -- one black, one white. Filmmaker Margaret Brown takes us through the divided zones of Mobile's current Mardi Gras celebrations as numerous participants attempt to initiate an integration between black and white revelers.
Director
Margaret Brown
Producer
Sara Alize Cross
Screenwriter
Margaret Brown
Distributor
Cinema Libre Studio
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Jul 25, 2008, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Apr 17, 2020
Runtime
1h 37m