Mr. SOUL! (2018)

In the vibrant and tumultuous era of cultural revolution, there emerged a voice that would change the face of television and the perception of Black culture in America. The documentary, Mr. SOUL!, offers a captivating exploration into the life and vision of Ellis Haizlip, the pioneering force behind America's first "Black Tonight Show," aptly named 'SOUL!'. This was long before the days of Oprah or Arsenio, when the nation was on the brink of a profound racial reckoning. From 1968 to 1973, under the deft guidance of the enigmatic Haizlip, SOUL! evolved into an unfiltered, uncompromising platform that celebrated the richness of Black literature, music, poetry, and politics. It was an improbable home for voices seldom heard on national television, but it was home nonetheless, providing a stage for cultural icons such as Sidney Poitier, Muhammad Ali, James Baldwin, and many more. The series became a beacon for the Black Arts Movement, shedding light on the poetry, literature, and militant voices that defined the Black Power era. Haizlip's subtly provocative interviewing style and his knack for coaxing his guests into candid expression took viewers on an intimate journey into the heart of Black culture, a journey often veiled from public view. The archival footage featured in the documentary includes performances by musical legends such as Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, and moments that have since gone viral, like Nikki Giovanni's riveting interview with James Baldwin. Mr. SOUL! doesn't merely retrospect, it resonates. It captures a critical juncture in the nation's cultural narrative whose reverberations are still felt today. In a time when the Black Lives Matter movement is front and center, the voices Ellis Haizlip amplified, his vision, and his groundbreaking show, are as crucial now as they were at inception. Mr. SOUL! is not just a documentary, it's a powerful testament to the enduring impact of one man's commitment to showcasing the vibrancy and resilience of a culture, a testament to the unsung hero who dared to restore the SOUL of a nation.

Mr. SOUL! is a comedy movie featuring Blair Underwood and directed by Sam Pollard.

Mr. SOUL! is currently streaming on Max and Max Amazon Channel.