| Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle | |
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| Produced by | Jack Santino Paul Wagner |
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| Country | United States |
Miles of Smiles, Years of Struggle is a 1982 documentary film about a group of Pullman car porters who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters - claimed to be the first African American trade union. The film examines issues of work, race and dignity. The film uses a variety of sources including historical records and photos, old films, and interviews with and reminiscences of retired porters. The film is narrated by a porter's widow and former union organizer: Rosina Tucker. [1]
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The film was produced by Jack Santino and Paul Wagner and won four regional Emmy Awards. [1] It has been described as "One hundred years of history is spanned in an enlightening portrait of admirable dignity." – New York Times and as "A moving account of the Pullman porters' remarkable (and largely untold) history." – Washington Post. [1]
In addition to its four regional Emmy Awards, the film has also been honoured at the Telluride Film Festival, and received the American Film Festival Blue Ribbon, and a CINE Golden Eagle. [2] The film was funded by the D.C. Community Humanities Council. [2]
