Color Adjustment (1992)

"Color Adjustment" (1992) is a riveting exploration of the transformative journey of African American representation on television from 1948 to 1988. The film critically examines the shift from television's early disparaging depictions of blacks to a more favorable portrayal, presenting them as prosperous and accomplished, embodying the American dream. However, this representation is often at odds with the stark realities of the black experience in America. In a revealing behind-the-scenes expose, the film draws back the veil on how prime time television was 'integrated.' Key figures from the era, including trailblazing black actors Esther Rolle, Diahann Carroll, Denise Nicholas, and Tim Reid, join forces with influential Hollywood producers Norman Lear, Steve Bochco, and David Wolper, to recount their experiences. Inviting the audience on a retrospective journey, "Color Adjustment" revisits seminal programs such as "Beulah," "The Nat King Cole Show," "Julia," "I Spy," "Good Times," and "Roots." These shows, while popular, absorbed the raw bitterness of racial conflict, morphing it into non-controversial series. This critical examination is not just a study of television's evolution, but also a reflection of society's perceptions, prejudices, and the struggle for genuine racial equality. "Color Adjustment" leaves viewers questioning the cost of this sanitized portrayal and its impact on the collective consciousness.

Color Adjustment is a documentary movie featuring Norman Lear.

Color Adjustment is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and it's also available on OVID.