Lord Thing [2014 Restoration]

Film Identifier: F.2012-01-0066

Part Of: DeWitt Beall Collection

Run Time

0h 52m 20s

Format

16mm

Color

Color

Sound

Optical

Date Produced

1970

Abstract

Produced at the height of the black power movement in the early ‘70s, LORD THING is an insider history into the genesis and transformation of the Conservative Vice Lords gang, one of Chicago's oldest street gangs. Partially shaped and told by by CVL members who also appear in the film, LORD THING is a unique and powerful tool that expresses an effort in self-transformation during a volatile and violent time in US race history. Gritty and rhythmic, this unusual film reflects an under-told chapter in gang history as members from the West Side neighborhood of North Lawndale try to become viable and political agents in their community. LORD THING won a silver medal at the 1970 Venice Film Festival. In 2012, the National Film Preservation Foundation awarded CFA a grant to preserve LORD THING. A new print was struck from original 16mm elements. This is a transfer of this 16mm restoration.

Preservation Sponsor

National Film Preservation Foundation