“Paul Robeson — The Tallest Tree In Our Forest” is a profile of Robeson created by filmmaker Gil Noble in 1977. The film is a bluesy dream for music fans and history buffs, and includes interviews with Belafonte and Dizzy Gillespie. Paul Robeson was a prominent cultural figure during the height of Harlem Renaissance Era. He was also an athlete, entering Rutgers on scholarship as the first black student. Robeson stared in various theater performances including “Voodoo” in 1922 and later films.

This part of the film focuses on his acting body of work and features various segments of notable films. Robeson was a gifted athlete, singer, actor and activist known for outstanding performances such as his role in the 1922 “Voodoo”. The film swings into 1928 in England (:10) for a performance of “Show Boat” (:20). Marie Burke (:21) speaks about meeting Paul for the first time. He blows “Old Man River” (1:52). He performed the song again in 1935 (2:00) and would later change the song into one of resistance and defiance. He was revered for his 1935 portrayal of Othello (3:10). A bust crafted by an artist appears next to his head (3:35). Paul scours over books (4:02). His concert itinerary grew (4:08) as he performed on three continents. His wife Essie (4:18) is pictured. Robeson’s obsession with Russia is explained (4:30). The press (5:19) rejected his interest in the communistic country. Scenes from various films play (6:16). Banners advertise ‘Sanders of the River’ (7:22). Upon release, editing turned out a film which in fact validated the colonization of Africa (7:34). A furious Robeson walked out of the premier performance. He later forged a contract allowing him final approval of films. A theater advertises “The Song of Freedom” (7:49). Scenes follow of the film (8:02). He turned towards the working class. Newspaper clippings discuss 1937 concert bookings and decidedly cheap ticket pricing (10:40). Fascism erupted in the late 1930’s (10:51). Nazis march on Spain (11:03); WW2 nears eruption. Paul appears in 1942 following the outbreak of the war (12:37). Clippings discuss the role of the African American in the war (13:00). Paratroopers drop down (13:10). FDR (13:22) and Stalin are pictured. His son speaks on Robeson’s political world view (13:57) and outspoken beliefs on racism in the US. In 1987, Robeson headed a delegation of African Americans to meet with Major League Baseball commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis (15:06) in order to break the color bar. Jackie Robinson benefited from this (15:05). Robeson’s plight was awarded (15:14). He returns to Rutgers (15:31). Lights flash for Robeson’s’ Broadway release (15:36). His appeared as the first African American to perform Othello on Broadway (15:44). Headlines relay stunning film reviews (16:05). Photographs follow of Robeson on the set (16:24). His performance won him the Coveted Diction Award (19:05). He interviews over his preparation work (19:55). John Henrik Clark (21:23) speaks to Robeson’s responsibility as a cultural figure. A lengthy scene from Othello (23:15) leads to reviews on his performance (25:34). Celebrities attend a massive celebration for his birthday on his 44th (26:00) at the 17th regiment armory. Mary McLeod Bethune’s quote on Robeson (26:05) is read. The end.

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