LeVar Burton Movies
African American actor LeVar Burton was a 19-year-old UCLA drama student when he was catapulted into international fame. On January 23, 1977, Burton made his professional debut as young Kunta Kinte, the protagonist of the classic TV miniseries Roots. He went on to give first-rate performances in such TV movies as Dummy (79) and One in a Million: The Ron LeFlore Story (78). Among LeVar Burton's more conspicuous TV appearances in the past decade have included his hosting chores on PBS' Reading Rainbow (83- ) and his regular role as sightless Lieutenant Geordi LaForge on the syndicated Star Trek: The Next Generation (87-92). He has continued playing Lt. LaForge in the feature film versions of Star Trek. Burton is also a published author. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Wishful thinking becomes reality when Louis the butcher becomes Louis the salmon in Reading Rainbow: Louis the Fish. The story inspires host LeVar Burton to visit some marine ecosystems, taking young viewers to see the creatures at the New England Aquarium in Boston and the Aqua Circus in Cape Cod. During the program, he reiterates the story's message about the virtues of being oneself. The panel of student reviewers also analyzes Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, One Monday Morning by Uri Shulevitz, and A Fish Hatches by Joanna Cole and Jerome Wexler. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
- 1977
- R
Adapted from Judith Rossner's best-selling novelization of a true story, Richard Brooks's melodrama turns one woman's search for a liberated life into a cautionary tale about promiscuity. After an affair with her college professor, no-longer-good Catholic girl Theresa Dunn (Diane Keaton) follows the lead of her hedonistic sister (Tuesday Weld) and moves out of her oppressive family home to forge a life of her own. A compassionate teacher of deaf children by day, Theresa metamorphoses into a sexually free cruiser of singles bars by night. She prefers the satisfying attentions of unpredictable, danger-tinged stud Tony Lopanto (Richard Gere) to the more noble intentions of social worker James (William Atherton), but she ditches anyone who prevents her from being her "own girl." As Theresa's life threatens to spin out of control, she makes a vow to clean up her existence once and for all. But before she makes the break, she goes to one more bar and brings home one more man (Tom Berenger). ~ Lucia Bozzola, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Diane Keaton, Tuesday Weld, (more)
- 1977
Twenty-year-old LeVar Burton followed up his spectacular television debut in Roots with the made-for-TV film Billy: Portrait of a Street Kid. As can be gathered by the title, Billy (Burton) is a ghetto youth with little chance for a bright future. He gets his chance to escape his dead-end existence when he's hired as an assistant to veterinarian Ossie Davis. Roxie Roker of The Jeffersons fame (and the mother of pop singer Lenny Kravitz) co-stars as Billy's worn-out mom. Based on a novel by Robert C. S. Downs, Billy Portrait of a Street Kid first aired September 12, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
This award-winning six-part historical epic was one of the first examples of the miniseries format and one of the highest-rated television programs in broadcasting history. Based on the best-selling novel by author Alex Haley, Roots chronicles the progress of Haley's own family across many generations, from the kidnapping of an African warrior by American slave traders to eventual post-Civil War freedom. Kunta Kinte (LeVar Burton) is a young tribesman of coastal Africa who has passed the rituals marking his transition into manhood. Searching for wood to build a drum, he is set upon by slavers who sell him in the United States after a nightmarish Atlantic crossing. Defiant, Kunta refuses to consider himself a slave, despite some sage advice from his mentor, the more mature Fiddler (Louis Gossett Jr.). As the years pass, the aging Kunta (John Amos) is hobbled for his repeated escape attempts. Realizing he'll never return to Africa, Kunta settles down, becoming husband to Bell (Madge Sinclair) and father to Kizzy (Leslie Uggams), a girl infused with her father's independent spirit. Sold and then raped by her new master, Kizzy has a son, Chicken George (Ben Vereen), a happy go lucky cockfighting expert who uses his skills to buy his freedom. George paves the way for his children, the great-grandchildren of Kunta Kinte, who finally become free in the aftermath of the Civil War. Roots (1977) was followed by a sequel miniseries, Roots: The Next Generations (1979), and a made-for-television feature, Roots: The Gift (1988), as well as another telefilm based on the family history of the Haley clan, Queen (1993). ~ Karl Williams, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton, Louis Gossett, Jr., (more)
Based on the story by Richard Wright, Almos' a Man stars LeVar Burton as a black teenager in the South of the 1930s. Working as a field hand, Burton is frustrated at being considered inferior to the local whites. Perhaps if he purchases a gun, he can prove his manhood. This is the decision he makes-much to the anguish of his mother, played by Madge Sinclair. Originally a PBS American Short Story presentation, Almos' a Man was first telecast April 26, 1977. Running some 45 minutes, it was offered in tandem with a dramatizaton of Ernest Hemingway's Soldier's Home. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton, Henry Fonda, (more)
- 1978
An outstanding performance by LeVar Burton makes this an above-average sports biography. Based on an adaptation of his autobiography, this is the story of Ron LeFlore, who was raised in the Detroit ghetto and became a major league baseball player for the Detroit Tigers. ~ Tana Hobart, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Battered concentrates upon three female victims of spousal abuse. Chip Fields is the new wife of struggling young Levar Burton. Joan Blondell is the alcoholic middle-aged spouse of the equally bibilous Howard Duff. And Karen Grassle (who cowrote the screenplay) is married to Ivy leaguer Mike Farrell. While a bit too cut-and-dried, Battered handles the issues at hand with intelligence and an avoidance of sensationalism. Made for television, the film debuted September 26, 1978. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Karen Grassle, LeVar Burton, (more)
- 1979
Based on a true story, Dummy stars LeVar Burton as Donald Lang, a deaf-mute teenager accused of killing a prostitute. Paul Sorvino co-stars as Lowell Myers, the hearing-impaired public defender who takes Burton's case. The court, deciding that Lang is incompetent to stand trial, orders the boy to be shunted away to a mental institution. Doggedly following the evidence trail, Myers argues for "due process" in the treatment of his client. While the film's ending is upbeat, real life does not always turn out so well, as the ironic closing title (which details what has happened to Burton's character since this case was resolved) demonstrates. Initially telecast May 27, 1979, Dummy was adapted by Ernest Tidyman from his own book. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1980
- Add Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones to QueueAdd Guyana Tragedy: The Story of Jim Jones to top of Queue
This two-part TV movie was, of course, sparked by the November 1978 mass suicide of 913 people at the South American religious "colony" of Jonestown. The catalyst for this tragedy was cult-leader Reverend Jim Jones (played by Powers Boothe, who won an Emmy for his performance), head of the so-called People's Temple. The film traces the life of Jones from his days as an idealistic 1960s activist. He drifts into penny-ante confidence scams and bed-hops from woman to woman, before electing to pass himself off as a modern messiah--eventually believing his own feverish sermons. The climactic scenes are chillingly staged in a near-documentary fashion, with Puerto Rico and Georgia substituting for Guyana. Ned Beatty plays the ill-fated Representative Leo Ryan, while James Earl Jones has a cameo as 1930s religious-leader Father Divine; most of the other main characters are composites of real people. Originally broadcast April 15 and 16, 1980, The Guyana Tragedy was adapted by Ernest Tidyman from the Washington Post and Charles A. Krause's Guyana Massacre: An Eyewitness Account. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Powers Boothe, Veronica Cartwright, (more)
Steve McQueen's last film concerns a modern day bounty hunter who searches for bail jumpers. Based on real life bounty hunter Ralph "Papa" Thorson, the film details his exciting life, traveling from one city to another, trying to track down fugitives and continually risking his life in the process. Buzz Kulik directed the confusing mish-mash that, nevertheless, features stunt work that anticipates the Lethal Weapon series. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Steve McQueen, Eli Wallach, (more)
- 1981
Produced by Olympic athlete Bruce Jenner, Grambling's White Tiger stars Jenner as real-life quarterback Jim Gregory. The film recounts Gregory's efforts to become the first white player on Grambling College's all-black football team. Harry Belafonte made his TV-movie debut as legendary Grambling coach Eddie Robinson. The script was adapted from My Little Brother is Coming Tomorrow, a book by Bruce Behrenberg. Filmed on location in Louisiana, Grambling's White Tiger originally aired October 4, 1981. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1982
First telecast March 2, 1981, The Acorn People was adapted by director Joan Tewksbury from the book by Ron Jones. Ted Bessell plays a no-nonsense children's counselor who takes a job at a summer camp for severely handicapped children. The kids jokingly refer to themselves as "the acorn people"--a reference to the acorn necklaces that they've made for themselves, and to the fact that they'd never blossomed into full-grown "trees." Bessell is determined to remain detached from his charges, but with the help of nurse Cloris Leachman and assitant LeVar Burton, Bessell emerges from the two-week camp a compassionate, caring person, as fully concerned with the lives of the Acorns as the year-round staff. The Acorn People was filmed on location in Dallas, with several of the area's genuine handicapped children playing supporting roles. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Young viewers get a lesson in what comprises a balanced diet in Reading Rainbow: Gregory the Terrible Eater. The featured story concerns a goat who prefers a strange selection of foods that include fruit, juices, vegetables, and eggs. After parental intervention, he begins to like a more goat-oriented menu. At the San Diego Zoo, LeVar Burton checks out what the animals are fed, and winds up with a group of kids who are getting cooking lessons from a chef. Other food-related books reviewed are Mrs. Pig's Bulk Buy by Mary Rayner and the Better Homes and Gardens New Junior Cookbook, edited by Gerald Knox. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
- 1983
An urban child fears the worst when his family plans to move out West in Reading Rainbow: Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport. LeVar Burton goes to the Arizona desert, where a biologist provides information about the flora and fauna of the region, especially gila monsters. The children-reviewed section of the program features Mitchell Is Moving by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat, Peter's Chair by Ezra Jack Keats, and The Big Hello by Janet Schulman. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Many of the young viewers in the target audience of the Reading Rainbow series are interested in dinosaurs, and in Reading Rainbow: Digging Up Dinosaurs, they will find a wealth of information about these fascinating creatures. The featured book, Digging up Dinosaurs by Aliki, discusses how scientists find and put together the skeletons of dinosaurs. The show's field trip is a tour of Dinosaur National Monument, where host LeVar Burton explores the fossil finds. A panel of kids reviews Dinosaur Time by Peggy Parish and If You Are a Hunter of Fossils by Byrd Baylor. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
- 1983
The honors collected by Reading Rainbow include Parent's Choice, National Education Association, and Cine awards, plus numerous Emmys. Designed to draw children into the world of reading, the programs are a blend of books, field trips, and activities related to the featured topic. In Reading Rainbow: Arthur's Eyes, Arthur is hesitant about using his new glasses, and encounters difficulties with his faulty vision. Books reviewed by young students include Through Grandpa's Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan and All the Colors of the Race by Arnold Adoff. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1983
Lensed on videotape, Emergency Room was the first presentation of the syndicated Commworld Prime Time Showcase. Sarah Purcell and LeVar Burton star in this hospital melodrama. Purcell plays the doctor in charge of the E.R., dealing not only with an onrush of patients but also with hospital red tape and an on-again, off-again romance with a fellow physician (Gary Frank). The guest cast includes Penny Peyser, Paul Stewart, Julie Sommars, Gary Lockwood and Conchata Ferrell. Most markets first saw Emergency Room in mid-July 1983. The film was barter-sponsored to local stations by Procter and Gamble, as was the second and last Commworld Prime Time Showcase effort, Desperate Intruder (see separate entry). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1983
The featured book of this Reading Rainbow episode is Tight Times by Barbara Shook Hazen. In the story, a child whose father has lost his job is told that the family cannot afford the dog that he wants. Host LeVar Burton comes up with many creative ways to have fun when there's no extra cash, reminding viewers that going to the library does not cost a cent. Viewers also go to a pet show, where they can have a good time looking at interesting creatures without spending any money. Child reviewers also analyze Pet Show! by Ezra Jack Keats and The Terrible Thing That Happened at Our House by Marge Blaine. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1983
When Reading Rainbow host LeVar Burton goes up against top competitors in a bike race, he finds out the true meaning of the story of The Tortoise and the Hare. This adaptation by Janet Stevens of the classic story is read by Gilda Radner. Burton tries the Marine Corps obstacle course in Hawaii to test his endurance. He finds that winning doesn't always mean finishing in first place, and tells viewers about the importance of giving their best effort. Other related books in this episode are Hill of Fire, Albert the Running Bear's Exercise Book, and Hooray for Snail!. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
- 1983
First aired in 1983, Reading Rainbow is an award-winning PBS kid's program designed to promote independent reading. Hosted by LeVar Burton, each episode contains an illustrated feature book narrated by a popular entertainer. The magazine-style show also includes book reviews, interviews, and other features starring regular, real-life kids. The show started as a summer TV program to keep kids reading while school was out. In 1990, the series was broadcast year-round. Reading Rainbow is recommended for kids aged four to eight. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
Dorian Harewood stars as the legendary black athlete in this made-for-TV biography that follows Jesse Owens from his collegiate career, to his pinnacle at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he won four gold medals--much to the dismay of Adolf Hitler and his squad of Aryan super-athletes. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide
- 1984
In Reading Rainbow: Chair for My Mother, the characters all chip in to buy a chair after a devastating fire destroys their belongings. The series of programs continues to provide stimulating topics for youngsters as it encourages them to read. Reading Rainbow: Chair for My Mother stresses the importance of teamwork, and presents a performance that required the cooperative efforts of a choreographer, musicians, and a troupe of dancers. Books reviewed by child critics include I Have a Sister, My Sister is Deaf by Jeanne Whitehouse Peterson and My Mama Needs Me by Mildred Pitts Walter. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Switching roles is an entertaining concept that has been explored in movies. In Reading Rainbow: Bea and Mr. Jones, a five-year-old girl takes on her father's persona and goes to work, while her dad attends kindergarten. Host LeVar Burton checks out the costume collection of the program and plays dress-up, pretending to be different characters. The series encourages young children to enter the world of books and reading, featuring one picture book per episode. Their entertaining approach to learning has won many awards. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1984
When Liang picks up a magic paintbrush, his subjects become real in this Reading Rainbow episode's story about a child who has a powerful desire to paint. Host LeVar Burton takes a look at Chinese-American life with a visit to Chinatown to examine a cross-section of the culture. Young viewers get a glimpse of the creations of a chef and a calligrapher.Burton also gets a lesson in the use of computer graphics to produce artwork and ends up in a Chinese celebration. Other books in the program include If You Take a Pencil by Fulvio Testa, Emma by Wendy Kesselman, and Ben's Trumpet by Rachel Isadora. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1984
Miss Nelson has to leave school for a whole week, and her class is up to mischief as a substitute teacher takes over in this episode of the Reading Rainbow series. In addition to the featured book, Miss Nelson Is Back, the program also includes segments featuring Blackstone the Magician and host LeVar Burton, who is mystified by a treasure hunt that he doesn't realize is actually a surprise birthday party for him. The young critics also review Harlequin and the Gift of Many Colors by Remy Charlip and Burton Supree, Daddy Is a Monster Sometimes by John Steptoe, and The Upside Down Riddle Book edited by Louis Philips. ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- LeVar Burton
