For Labor Day: A 'Massacre' and a Few More Protest Songs
Is it is still a "sundown" for unions or revival?
Just briefly for Labor Day: The Emmy-nominated film that I wrote and directed, “Memorial Day Massacre: Workers Die, Film Buried,” which premiered over many PBS stations across the country, is no longer streaming though you can still watch the preview here. Or you can go to the main site for the film, where you can also read background and see early responses from notables. It will soon be available for schools, community groups and libraries and via DVD here at The Video Project.
It runs 27 minutes and is introduced by Studs Terkel, narrated by actor Josh Charles, produced by Lyn Goldfarb. My third PBS film in past three years. And my sequel to “Atomic Cover-up” (which won the top prize from the Organization of American Historians this year) is nearly finished.
The companion book, my 13th, for “Massacre,” with same title has now been published as both paperback ($12.95) and e-book ($3.99) at both Amazon and Barnes & Noble. It’s the first oral history and features everyone from wounded strikers to observers Studs Terkel, Gore Vidal, Howard Zinn, Dorothy Day, John Hope Franklin, even Ayn Rand, and more.
Briefly: Chicago police shot 40 steel strikers and supporters (mainly in the back) and killed ten in 1937—and then the only footage of it, from Paramount News, was suppressed until a famed investigative reporter and crusading U.S. senator brought it to light. Still, no police were punished. The lessons and effects remain strong today as union activity surges again.
My latest of several articles related to film and book. Here at Mother Jones. My segment on Democracy Now! here. My piece on Studs Terkel’s role.
A song that is featured in the film by activist folkie Joe Glazer:
And a few more apt songs below…
A surprising “Solidary Forever” by Leonard Cohen at a soundcheck.
Great live performance by Richard, Levon and The Band, of “King Harvest”
Bruce visits “Youngstown,” where steel strike mentioned in my film and book.
Paul Robeson’s immortal “Joe Hill,” live.
Dylan on “Union Sundown”
Woody’s “Union Burying Ground,” all too busy in 1930s.
Ray Davies, “Working Man’s Cafe”
And one of my favorite forgotten Kinks songs from one of their greatest albums.