Few modern democracies take the separation of powers doctrine so seriously like USA. As a result, some of the most important decisions in American history didn't happen on the battlefields or in Congress or at the hands of public figures; they happened behind close doors, by anonymous old men in black judicial robes. Separate But Equal, 1991 television docudrama written and directed by George Stevens Jr., chronicles one of such decisions.
The plot of the film begins in 1950, when USA still had legally sanctioned racial segregation in the Southern states. The legal basis for this policy was Separate But Equal doctrine adopted by US Supreme Court in 1896, which had claimed that black and white Americans could have equal rights and be legally segregated in the same time. Reverend De Lanie (played by Ed Hall), principal of black school in Southern Carolina, cares little for obscure legal doctrines. He only knows that the schools receive less financial resources than schools with white children. In order to change that situation, De Lanie goes to court and seeks assistance from NAACP – National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Thurgood Marshall (played by Sydney Poitier), one of NAACP top lawyers, sees that the successful court case could strike down Separate But Equal doctrine and thus pave the way for the end of racial segregation in USA. Despite Ku Klux Klan intimidation and overcautious colleagues, Marshall manages to push the issue all the way up to Supreme Court. But the highest American court represents the greatest challenge of them all, especially since it is led by Earl Warren (played by Richard Kiley), former California governor not known for racial tolerance.
Courtroom dramas, especially when they are based on true events and made for television, can be routine and over-preachy. However, the case depicted in Separate But Equal, was too important to receive routine treatment. George Stevens Jr. uses three hours of running time to cover this event from all important angles - the first segment establishes the background of the case, while the second segment shows the slow but very important work that went on behind the close doors. In doing so, Stevens enjoyed the assistance of many renowned actors, especially Sydney Poitier in the role of legendary lawyer. Other actors weren't that lucky - Burt Lancaster doesn't play large role in one of his last screen appearances. However, the audience is not going to be bored; and even those who don't like three-hour political dramas should at least consider watching Separate But Equal. Like few other titles, Separate But Equal shows democracy at its best - responsible and brave people willing to tackle unpopular issues and confront the mistakes of the past.
RATING: 6/10 (++)
(Note: The text in its original form was posted in Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.movies.reviews on January 27th 2003)
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