The Most influential man of the 20th century : Paul Robeson Part 1/ C.L.R. James.

Speech by historian C.L.R. James who presents his personal reminiscences of the noted Black actor and social critic, Paul Robeson. He discusses the emotional and spiritual insights presented by Robeson as a Shakespearian actor, Robeson’s role during the 1930’s as a critic of Franklin Roosevelt’s growing control over State Capitalism. Robeson predicted the emergence of “State” warfare (World War II). James describes Robeson’s 1935 performance as Othello, and his multi-cultural study of Oriental African music which utilizes a monosylabic retention of power. James concludes with memories of other British cultural leaders, particularly Peggy Ashcroft and John Kents.