Nightjohn
“Words Are Freedom”
Synopsis
John is a man of many talents, including one forbidden skill: he can read. When he teaches a young slave girl named Sarny to read and write, she learns an unforgettable lesson about the power of words and the true meaning of freedom.
Top Cast
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Beau Bridges
Clel Waller
Carl Lumbly
Nightjohn
Bill Cobbs
Old man
Kathleen York
Callie Waller
Gabriel Casseus
Outlaw
Tom Nowicki
Dr. Chamberlain
Joel Traywick
Jeff Waller
Allison Jones
Sarny
Patty Mack
Evelyn
Deborah Duke
Lethe
Danny Nelson
Reverend Osee Rush
Monica Ford
Egypt
Gerald Brown
Joseph
Robin Michelle McClamb
Sarnys Mother (as Robin McLamb-Vaughn)
Steven Sutherland
Alan Bowen
Shannon Eubanks
Fanny Bowen
John P. Ford III
Arthur Waller
John Herina
Homer Waller
Release History & Theatrical Window
June 1, 1996
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Charles Burnett
- Screenplay & Story
- Bill Cain
- Original Score
- Stephen James Taylor
- Original Title
- Nightjohn
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- Hallmark Entertainment, Sarabande Productions, Signboard Films Production Inc.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Charles Burnett
Bill Cain, Gary Paulsen
Stephen James Taylor
Elliot Davis
Dorian Harris
Dennis Stuart Murphy
Department Leadership Roster
Charles Burnett
Director
Bill Cain
Screenplay
Dennis Stuart Murphy
Producer
Dorian Harris
Editor
Elliot Davis
Director of Photography
Stephen James Taylor
Original Music Composer
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Nightjohn.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Nightjohn
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Nightjohn about?
John is a man of many talents, including one forbidden skill: he can read. When he teaches a young slave girl named Sarny to read and write, she learns an unforgettable lesson about the power of words and the true meaning of freedom.
Who directed Nightjohn?
Nightjohn was directed by Charles Burnett.
Who stars in Nightjohn?
The principal cast of Nightjohn includes Beau Bridges, Carl Lumbly, Bill Cobbs, Kathleen York, Gabriel Casseus.
When was Nightjohn released and how long is it?
Nightjohn was released in 1996 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.
Who composed the musical score for Nightjohn?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Nightjohn was composed by Stephen James Taylor.
Is Nightjohn based on a book or true story?
Nightjohn is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Gary Paulsen".