The Saga of an American Family.
Original title
Roots
Released
1/23/1977
Origin country
US
Genre
Drama
Production companies
Warner Bros. Television, David L. Wolper Productions
Status
Ended
Number of seasons
1
Number of episodes
8
The epic tale of celebrated Pulitzer-prize winning author Alex Haley's ancestors as portrayed in the acclaimed twelve hour mini-series Roots, was first told in his 1976 bestseller Roots: The Saga of an American Family. The docu-drama covers a period of history that begins in mid-1700s Gambia, West Africa and concludes during post-Civil War United States, over 100 years later. This 1977 miniseries eventually won 9 Emmy awards, a Golden Globe award, and a Peabody award, and still stands as the most watched miniseries in U.S. history.
Author of "Roots" Alex Haley goes on a voyage to his ancestral home village in Africa and to the grave site of his relative Kunta Kinte in Virginia with LeVar Burton who portrayed Kinte in "Roots". Narrated by Louis Gossett, Jr.
An examination of "Roots" impact on society in the 1970's from a modern perspective.
Hosted by Louis Gossett Jr.
25th-anniversary 3 DVD edition bonus. New interviews with key cast members.
'The American Story Continues' is a new interview series with celebrities discussing how important the original series 'ROOTS' was and continues to be in this day and age. Whoopi Goldberg, James Earl Jones, Blair Underwood, and more make an appearance
'The Cast Looks Back' is a new bonus video that features interviews with most of the cast of the original miniseries. They talk about making the series and how it has transformed their lives.
The characters of Kunta Kinte and Fiddler from Roots are back in this movie. In this movie the two of them accompany their owner to another plantation at Christmas time and they learn that the son of the owner helps slaves escape. And the two of them try to help him and also see this as an opportunity to escape themselves.
In Gambia, West Africa, Kunta Kinte, son of Omoro and Binta, distinguishes himself in manhood training rituals. But he does not enjoy his new status long: slave traders sweeping the countryside seize him. Chained with other captives, Kunta begins an agonized odyssey to the New World.
Despite a violent rebellion, the slave ship Lord Ligonier completes its voyage and Kunta Kinte endures the indignity of an Annapolis slave auction. Fiddler, the slave in charge of Kunta's training, becomes his only friend, a friendship that's tested when Kunta plans his escape.
In 1776, a nation fights for freedom - but not for all. Still driven by his memories as a Mandinka "fighting man," Kunta (now renamed Toby) escapes once more.
After Genelva's nighttime dalliance with Junta deflects suspicion so she can flee with her lover, Kunta forms a romantic attachment to the worldly-wise Bell, whom he marries.
The teenage Kizzy, well-versed in Mandinka history, falls in love with young Noah, who's determined to escape.
Chicken George is sent to England as payment for his owner's gambling debt.
Chicken George returns to North Carolina to find his sons have married and started families - and to learn about a state law that says his status as a free man is forfeited if he stays more than 60 days. Meanwhile, the nation erupts in Civil War.
The Civil War is over but night riders terrorize ex-slaves. By marking his clients' horseshoes, Tom identifies the raiders but endangers his own life. Chicken George, who fought for the Union, rejoins his family. He leads them to a new home in Tennessee.
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