The Black Kino Fist: Black life as depicted in film history

Blackboard Jungle (1955)

 
Blackboard Jungle is a 1955 social commentary film about teachers in an inter-racial inner-city school, based on the novel of the same name by Evan Hunter and adapted for the screen and directed by Richard Brooks. It is remembered for its innovative use of rock and roll in its soundtrack and for the unusual breakout role of a Black cast member, future Oscar winner and star Sidney Poitier as a rebellious, yet musically talented student.
 
In 2016, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

Status: Available for purchase.
 
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