Leadbelly
Leadbelly
Directed by Gordon Parks
(USA, 1976, 35mm)
Presented to complement the exhibition Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power
Presented by ethnomusicologist Flash Gordon Parks and film programmer Peter Lucas
This riveting biopic from director/photographer Gordon Parks tells the story of Huddie Ledbetter (1888–1949), the blues and folk singer known as Lead Belly. Featuring a standout lead performance by Roger E. Mosley, the drama traces the musician’s troubled life, friendship with Blind Lemon Jefferson, and brushes with the law in Louisiana and Texas. In Leadbelly, Parks revisits subjects he explored in earlier films, including the rural South, Black music, and the theme of survival. Mosley, who died in August 2022, is known for his role in Magnum, P.I.
Visiting Guidelines Masks are recommended in Museum auditoriums. Advance tickets are also recommended. In the interest of your personal safety and community health, please observe all precautions set forth by the MFAH—learn more here. Doors open 30 minutes before the screening starts. No late entry.
Accessibility The MFAH strives to provide a welcoming and accessible experience for all guests by offering a range of accommodations—learn more here.
The MFAH film department is supported by Tenaris; the Vaughn Foundation; The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea; Nina and Michael Zilkha; Consulate General of Italy in Houston; Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles; Consulate General of Brazil in Houston; Franci Neely; Carrin Patman and Jim Derrick; Ms. Laurence Unger; L’Alliance Française de Houston; and ILEX Foundation.
“Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power” is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, in collaboration with the Gordon Parks Foundation.
Generous support for the exhibition and opening celebration provided by:
Anne Levy Charitable Trust/Jean Karotkin
Dr. Ruth Simmons
Drs. Jakeen and Garfield Johnson
Simin and Gaurdie Banister
Drs. Annette and Anthony Brissett/Nicholas Stuart and Zsavon Butler
DIR Inc./Drs. Russell H. and Rosalind C. Jackson
Wendy and Mavis Kelsey/Fan and Peter Morris
Karen and Ramon Manning
Merinda Watkins-Martin and Reginald Martin
Leadbelly
Directed by Gordon Parks
(USA, 1976, 126 minutes)
Brown Auditorium Theater