 More than a requiem, this documentary touches on issues relevant to all students of American history and society by using Detroit as a window into many sociocultural aspects of American life. Major topics include industrialization, the birth of suburbs and consumerism, black migration and white flight, race relations, unionization, economic decline, and community renewal—all set to a soundtrack by famous Detroit musicians. Director Julien Temple effectively weds scenes of poverty and urban collapse to cheerful archival footage, infusing the film with an energy that is wry, hip, and gritty. The program ends on a hopeful note as images of decaying architectural gems and feral homes give way to citizen activists converting weedy lots into community gardens. With commentary by Grace Lee Boggs, Martha Reeves, and John Sinclair. A Films of Record Production for BBC. (60 minutes)
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