I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Synopsis
Renowned Black writer James Baldwin retraces his time in the South during the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting with his trademark brilliance and insight on the passage of more than two decades. From Selma and Birmingham and Atlanta; to the battleground beaches of St. Augustine, Florida, with Chinua Achebe; and back north for a visit to Newark with Amiri Baraka, Baldwin lays bare the fiction of progress in post–Civil Rights America, wondering “what happened to the children” and those 'who did not die, but whose lives were smashed on Freedom Road'.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
I HEARD IT THROUGH THE GRAPEVINE TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2024-01-09
Top Cast
Explore Star Directory →
Release History & Theatrical Window
Berlin International Film Festival; restoration
Festival / Special Debut
March 3, 1982
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Pat Hartley, Dick Fontaine
- Screenplay & Story
- James Baldwin
- Original Title
- I Heard It Through the Grapevine
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 32m
- Production Studios
- Living Archives Inc.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Pat Hartley, Dick Fontaine
James Baldwin
Pat Hartley, Dick Fontaine
Department Leadership Roster
James Baldwin
Writer
Pat Hartley
Producer
Dick Fontaine
Producer
Pat Hartley
Director
Dick Fontaine
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for I Heard It Through the Grapevine.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring I Heard It Through the Grapevine.
list8
Criterion US - History Movies
Curated list of Most Popular on Criterion (US). Updated frequently. Last updated August 21, 2026.
Similar Titles to I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Movies sharing stylistic DNA, tone, and thematic storytelling
7.5
6.8
7.6
7.2
9.0
6.5
7.3
7.2
6.6
10.0
6.5
5.0
7.2
6.9
More Like I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Recommended titles matching themes, cast, and genres.
Frequently Asked Questions About I Heard It Through the Grapevine
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is I Heard It Through the Grapevine about?
Renowned Black writer James Baldwin retraces his time in the South during the Civil Rights Movement, reflecting with his trademark brilliance and insight on the passage of more than two decades. From Selma and Birmingham and Atlanta; to the battleground beaches of St. Augustine, Florida, with Chinua Achebe; and back north for a visit to Newark with Amiri Baraka, Baldwin lays bare the fiction of progress in post–Civil Rights America, wondering “what happened to the children” and those 'who did not die, but whose lives were smashed on Freedom Road'.
Who directed I Heard It Through the Grapevine?
I Heard It Through the Grapevine was directed by Pat Hartley, Dick Fontaine.
Who stars in I Heard It Through the Grapevine?
The principal cast of I Heard It Through the Grapevine includes James Baldwin, David Baldwin, Chinua Achebe, Amiri Baraka, Sterling Brown.
When was I Heard It Through the Grapevine released and how long is it?
I Heard It Through the Grapevine was released in 1982 with a total runtime of 1h 32m.