Percy Julian: Forgotten Genius 2007
Distributed by WGBH Boston, 125 Western Avenue, Boston, MA 02134; 617-300-2000
Produced by Llewellyn M. Smith and Steven Lyons
Directed by Llewellyn M. Smith
DVD, color, 112 min.
Sr. High - Adult
African American Studies, Chemistry, History, Biography
Date Entered: 04/23/2007
Reviewed by Laura Blalock, Electronic Services & Reference Librarian, Tennessee Tech University, Cookeville, TNPercy Julian: Forgotten Genius is essentially a biography of the man told through narration, acting and interviews, switching presentation formats effectively maintain the audience’s interest.
His story is an interesting one, well-told and technically well-presented. The first hour comprises his youth culminating in Julian’s struggle for his doctorate. This leaves the second hour feeling overlong and anti-climactic--until it draws you in again.
The film is a good overview of Julian’s life and how he felt the impact of racism throughout it. The chemical explanations for what he achieved are interesting without being too long or too complex. A little more information on those around him might have been even more interesting, for instance his partner or his wife who also had a doctorate. But it’s definitely long enough as it is.
Percy Julian: Forgotten Genius will fit into most collections supporting African American studies or scientific history.