If you’re exploring the impact of Roots Film 1977, you’re looking at a television event that became a cultural milestone.
The groundbreaking miniseries brought Alex Haley’s family saga to the screen with raw power, telling the story of Kunta Kinte and his descendants in a way that left an indelible mark on audiences around the world.
Table of Contents
Overview of Roots Film 1977
Roots is a landmark American television miniseries adapted from Alex Haley’s 1976 novel Roots: The Saga of an American Family.
It first aired over eight consecutive nights on ABC from January 23 to January 30, 1977.
Storyline & Scope of Roots 1977 Movie
The narrative follows Kunta Kinte, born in Gambia in 1750, who is captured and sold into slavery in Maryland.
His daughter Kizzy is born into bondage, separated from family, and her son, known as “Chicken George”, emerges as a powerful figure.
The story spans nearly a century—covering the Revolutionary War through the Civil War and emancipation.
Cast & Production of Roots Movie 1977
- LeVar Burton stars as young Kunta Kinte; John Amos portrays his older self.
- Other cast members include Leslie Uggams (Kizzy), Ben Vereen (Chicken George), Louis Gossett Jr. (Fiddler), Maya Angelou, Cicely Tyson, and O.J. Simpson in supporting roles.
- Directed by Marvin J. Chomsky, John Erman, David Greene, and Gilbert Moses, with music by Gerald Fried (and Quincy Jones for episode 1).
- Produced by Wolper Productions and Warner Bros. Television, and executive produced by David L. Wolper on a budget of approximately $6.6 million.
Awards & Recognition for Roots the Movie 1977
- Garnered 37 Primetime Emmy nominations, winning nine—including Outstanding Limited Series.
- Also earned a Golden Globe and a Peabody Award.
- The finale remains one of the most watched episodes in television history—ranking as the third-highest-rated episode and the second most-watched series finale in U.S. TV history.
Cultural Impact
- Roughly 130 million Americans (around half the nation) watched at least part of the series during its original broadcast.
- Roots sparked a surge of interest in genealogy—particularly among African Americans—and helped foster broader conversations about race, history, and identity.
Roots Trailer
Durex Play
If you would like to find out more about Durex Play, you can read all about it here.
Below the Root Remake
Below the Root is an adventure game released in 1984 by Windham Classics. It is titled after Below the Root, the first of the Green Sky Trilogy of novels, written by Zilpha Keatley Snyder and published between 1975 and 1977.
I have not heard anything about a remake of Below the Root, but if I do, I will be sure to share about it here.
5 Star Hotels in Moshi Tanzania
There are no 5-star hotels in Moshi, but you can find a selection of the best hotels in Moshi here.
Where Was the Roots Serie 1977 Filmed?
The original Roots series was shot in the US in Los Angeles County Arboretum, Malibu Creek State Park, Santa Clarita, Savannah, St. Simons and Warner Bros. Studios.
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Photo credits: Warner Brothers