The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show

The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show is a compelling documentary film from 2020 that chronicles the ground-breaking week in 1968 when legendary entertainer and civil rights activist Harry Belafonte replaced Johnny Carson as host of the renowned The Tonight Show in an unprecedented event that marked a significant moment in broadcast television history. Directed by Yoruba Richen and co-produced by Joy Reid, the film weaves together a narrative propelled by the domains of entertainment, politics, and racial injustice.

Harry Belafonte, renowned for his singing, acting, and activism, is a dominant figure throughout the course of the film. While at the height of his career, Belafonte was an influential figure who used his platform to address societal issues, particularly advocating for civil rights and embarking upon a mission to reshape perceptions of African Americans. Despite encountering racial prejudice himself, Belafonte didn't shy away from broaching sensitive topics and championing for equality and justice in a period of pervasive racial tension. Plus, Belafonte wasn't just the first black man to host an entire week of The Tonight Show; he even took control of the lineup, wherein he invited distinguished guests from various backgrounds, thereby emphasizing his dedication towards inclusivity.

Joining Belafonte in recounting this impactful event is his daughter, Gina Belafonte, who provides intimate background and personal perspective to her father's journey. Gina offers more to the Belafonte narrative, sharing a familial viewpoint and insights into the motivations and reservations of her father during that groundbreaking week.

Leon Bibb, an African-American folk singer and longtime friend of Belafonte who also shared stages with him, imparts invaluable anecdotes and his first-hand accounts from the era when both of them were crafting a symbiosis of art and activism. The inclusion of Bibb affords viewers not just a historical perspective on the events that unfolded, but also a deep understanding of how art was utilized as a powerful tool for personal and social transformation.

A focal point of the film revolves around the illustrious guests Belafonte welcomed during his week-long stint at the helm of The Tonight Show. The guests' list boasted of figures like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Robert F. Kennedy, Paul Newman, and Aretha Franklin, among others. Each guest brought their own distinct perspective to the show and contributed their voices to the discussions on racial inequality, civil rights, and societal evolution, thus shaping historic moments in broadcast television.

The documentary draws an effective juxtaposition between the past and the present, bringing to light the continuity of issues that persist over decades, such as racial inequality, injustice, and the struggle for civil rights. By revisiting the past, the documentary prompts introspection about progress made and milestones yet to achieve in the contemporary context.

Divided into segments, the film unfolds crucial narratives related to Belafonte's hosting week, encompassing snippets of his interviews and performances capturing the revolution of the late 60s. Amid the exploration and contextualization of that seminal week, the documentary also recounts Belafonte's broader life story, tracing his journey from growing up in Harlem and Jamaica to becoming an entertainment icon and influential civil rights activist.

With painstaking detail, Richen helps us set the film in chronological and cultural context. She makes use of rich archival footage, insightful interviews, and fascinating photographs that offer viewers a glimpse into a significant chapter of television history. On the surface, the film seems a simple story of a man stepping into another's shoes for a week, but it is also a reflection on the path of a nation coming to terms with racial conflict and the transformative power of media and art in that process.

The Sit-In: Harry Belafonte Hosts The Tonight Show serves as an engaging testament to a pivotal moment in television history. At the same time, it stands as a reflection of a society grappling with deep-rooted racial tensions, and the fight for civil rights in the era. The film is emblematic of the power of art and media as tools for social change, providing a moving, richly-layered depiction of a week that marked the intersection of entertainment, politics, and social justice in unforgettable ways.