The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till (2004) - Turner Classic Movies

The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till


1h 10m 2004

Brief Synopsis

In August 1955, Mamie Till-Mobely of Chicago sent her only child, 14-year old Emmett Louis Till, to visit relatives in the Mississippi Delta. Little did she know that 8-days later, Emmett would be abducted from his Great-Uncle's home, brutally beaten and murdered for one of the oldest Southern Taboo

Film Details

Also Known As
Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till
MPAA Rating
Genre
Documentary
Historical
Political
Release Date
2004
Production Company
Thinkfilm
Location
Mississippi, USA

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 10m

Synopsis

In August 1955, Mamie Till-Mobely of Chicago sent her only child, 14-year old Emmett Louis Till, to visit relatives in the Mississippi Delta. Little did she know that 8-days later, Emmett would be abducted from his Great-Uncle's home, brutally beaten and murdered for one of the oldest Southern Taboos: addressing a white woman in public. The murderers were soon arrested but later acquitted of murder by an all-white, all-male jury. However, Emmett did not die in vain. His horrific, senseless death sparked media attention when his mother insisted on having an open casket funeral. Her decision was controversial but her reason was simple. She defended her decision by stating, "I want the world to see what they did to my son." Till's death sparked the Black Resistance of the South which later became known as the American Civil Rights Movement. Scholars and historians have studied the murder of Emmett Till ever since, and the case has even made its way through African-American folklore. Spanning five decades people continue to be fascinated by the murder of Till. Many books have been written revealing the incongruous facts surrounding the influential case and controversial jury decision. But, the true story has never been revealed.

Film Details

Also Known As
Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till
MPAA Rating
Genre
Documentary
Historical
Political
Release Date
2004
Production Company
Thinkfilm
Location
Mississippi, USA

Technical Specs

Duration
1h 10m

Quotes

Trivia

Miscellaneous Notes

Co-winner of the 2005 award for Special Recognition of Films That Reflect Freedom of Expression by the National Board of Review (NBR).

Released in United States October 2004

Released in United States on Video February 28, 2006

Released in United States Summer August 17, 2005

Released in United States on Video February 28, 2006

Released in United States Summer August 17, 2005

Released in United States October 2004 (Shown at The Hamptons International Film Festival October 20-24, 2004.)

Shown at The Hamptons International Film Festival October 20-24, 2004.