Joe Louis America's Hero Betrayed: An American story. Traces the career of Joe Louis (1914-1981) within the context of American racial consciousness: his difficulty getting big fights early in his career, the pride of African-Americans in his prowess, the shift of White sentiment toward Louis as Hitler came to power, Louis's patriotism during World War II, and the hounding of Louis by the IRS for the following 15 years. In his last years, he's a casino greeter, a drug user, and the occasional object of scorn for young Turks like Muhammad Ali. Appreciative comment comes from boxing scholars, Louis's son Joe Jr., friends, and icons like Maya Angelou, Dick Gregory, and Bill Cosby.

Starring:

Adolf Hitler, Berry Gordy, Bill Cosby, Charles Rangel, Dennis James, Dick Gregory, Eddie Egan, Frank Sinatra, Jack Johnson, Jack Roper, Jane Pauley, Jerry Lewis, Jersey Joe Walcott, Jimmy Carter, Joe Louis, Max Baer, Max Schmeling, Maya Angelou, Muhammad Ali, Primo Carnera, Ralph Edwards, Rocky Marciano, Walter Smith, Walter Winchell

Genre:

Animation, Biography, Documentary, Sport