Strange Fruit
Synopsis
In 1937, after seeing a photo depicting the lynching of a black man in the south, Bronx-born high school teacher Abel Meeropol wrote a poem entitled "Strange Fruit" that begins with the words: "Southern trees bear a strange fruit / Blood on the leaves and blood at the root." He set the poem to music and a few years later convinced Billy holiday to record it in a legendary heartbreaking performance. Intertwining jazz genealogy, biography, performance footage, and the history of lynching, director Joel Katz fashions a fascinating discovery of the lost story behind a true American classic. Written by Excerpted from Coolidge Corner Theatre Program Update
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
May 20, 2002
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Joel Katz
- Original Title
- Strange Fruit
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 57m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Joel Katz
Department Leadership Roster
Joel Katz
Director
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG-13: Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.
Production Stills & Gallery
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Frequently Asked Questions About Strange Fruit
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Strange Fruit about?
In 1937, after seeing a photo depicting the lynching of a black man in the south, Bronx-born high school teacher Abel Meeropol wrote a poem entitled "Strange Fruit" that begins with the words: "Southern trees bear a strange fruit / Blood on the leaves and blood at the root." He set the poem to music and a few years later convinced Billy holiday to record it in a legendary heartbreaking performance. Intertwining jazz genealogy, biography, performance footage, and the history of lynching, director Joel Katz fashions a fascinating discovery of the lost story behind a true American classic. Written by Excerpted from Coolidge Corner Theatre Program Update
Who directed Strange Fruit?
Strange Fruit was directed by Joel Katz.
Who stars in Strange Fruit?
The principal cast of Strange Fruit includes Dorothy Thigpen, Milton Gabler, Farah Jasmine Griffin, Pete Seeger, Ethel Rosenberg.
When was Strange Fruit released and how long is it?
Strange Fruit was released in 2002 with a total runtime of 57m.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Strange Fruit?
Strange Fruit holds official age classifications: US: PG-13 (Parents Strongly Cautioned — May contain intense action, language, or mature themes.).