The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974)

In the throes of the civil rights revolution in 1962's Bayonne, Louisiana, a New York journalist finds himself enraptured by the indomitable spirit of Jane Pittman - an ex-slave who has seen 110 seasons pass. As the tenacious reporter delves into her life, Jane unfolds a tapestry of memories dating back to a time before chains were broken, a time when she was but a young girl navigating the harsh reality of slavery. Orphaned at a tender age and toiling away on a plantation, Jane's life takes an unexpected turn following a fortuitous encounter with a white Union soldier named Brown. This pivotal meeting sparks a flame within her, leading to her emancipation and setting her on a tumultuous journey that symbolizes the long walk toward freedom. Through her vivid recollections, we experience her trials and tribulations, her marriage to Joe Pittman, and her nurturing of Ned, her adopted son who becomes an educator. Jane's narrative also intertwines with the life of Jimmy, a young boy she helps raise who later returns as a zealous civil rights worker. As Jane shares the chapters of her life, the narrative dances between her past and the present struggles of the Black community in Bayonne. Stirred by Jimmy's fervor, Jane decides to involve herself in contemporary issues, embedding herself in the heart of the civil rights movement. The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is an evocative journey through the backroads of history, weaving together the horrors of slavery with the quest for justice. It paints a poignant portrait of an extraordinary woman whose life is a testament to resilience, determination, and the enduring power of the human spirit.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman is a drama movie featuring Cicely Tyson and directed by John Korty.

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