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      The Vernon Johns Story

      PG 1994 1 hr. 37 min. Biography List
      Reviews 83% 100+ Ratings Audience Score This biopic follows the life of Vernon Johns (James Earl Jones) -- now known as the father of the civil rights movement -- during the years he preceded Martin Luther King Jr. as minister of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Johns champions the cause of desegregation, clashing with local white authorities; the more cautious members of his own church; his wife (Mary Alice), who fears he'll lose his pulpit; and his children, who fear he will lose his life. Read More Read Less

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      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member Moving story, about an inspirational man, played by a powerful actor. Flawless. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/30/23 Full Review Audience Member Good movie about this early civil rights leader, and the roots of the civil rights movement. James Earl Jones hits the mark well with his commanding role, and immediately shows what an authoritative leader Vernon Johns really was. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/07/23 Full Review Audience Member amazing story of freedom before Martin Luther King there was Vernon John. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member TV quality movie with a compelling story. Do some background research on Vernon Johns...he was a brilliant man, and completely unappreciated. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Excellent movie about a courageous man who stood up to racial bigotry and helped start the civil rights movement. He put his life on the line and stood by his beliefs but he's been overshadowed by the achievements of leaders like Martin Luther King. A must-see movie! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member James Earl Jones is always enjoyable and convincing in his roles, this did not disappoint. He plays a pastor with a doctorate degree in the middle of the civil rights movement. Parts of this made me so angry at people for the way they treated the blacks and the prejudice that still goes on today, even if it's nowhere near what it used to be. This was good with a surprising twist at the end. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/13/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      Movie Info

      Synopsis This biopic follows the life of Vernon Johns (James Earl Jones) -- now known as the father of the civil rights movement -- during the years he preceded Martin Luther King Jr. as minister of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. Johns champions the cause of desegregation, clashing with local white authorities; the more cautious members of his own church; his wife (Mary Alice), who fears he'll lose his pulpit; and his children, who fear he will lose his life.
      Director
      Kenneth Fink
      Production Co
      Laurel Entertainment, Tribune Entertainment Company
      Rating
      PG
      Genre
      Biography
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Feb 22, 2018
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