Sammy Davis, Jr.: I’ve Gotta Be Me (2018)
(Director: Sam Pollard | Documentary | USA | 2018 | 99 min. | English)
RJFF. A star of stage and screen and a member of the legendary Rat Pack, Sammy Davis, Jr. broke racial barriers, and paid a heavy price for it. Defying societal norms concerning interracial romance, religion and political affiliation, Davis courted controversy many times, always with grace and honesty. Filmmaker Sam Pollard explores all the complexities of Davis, whose career spanned several phases of American show business. Featuring new interviews with a host of show business luminaries including Billy Crystal, Norman Lear, Jerry Lewis and Whoopi Goldberg, this delightful film is loaded with dazzling footage of Davis as dancer, singer and impressionist.
Community Partner: Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester
Generously underwritten by Rubens Family Foundation
*Opening night Rat Pack Party following film