Leadbelly
“You can't bury a black legend like Leadbelly!”
Synopsis
The life of Blues and folk singer Huddie Leadbetter, nicknamed Leadbelly is recounted. Covering the good times and bad from his 20s to 40s. Much of that time was spent on chain gangs in the south. Even in prison he became well known for the songs he had composed and sung during and before the time he spent there.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Imprint Blu-ray TrailerOfficial
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-06-14
Top Cast
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Roger E. Mosley
Huddie Ledbetter
James Brodhead
John Lomax
John McDonald
Tom Pruitt
Leonard Wrentz
Guard
Ernie Hudson
Archie
Dana Manno
Margaret Judd
William Wintersole
Sheriff Gibbons
Paul Benjamin
Wes Ledbetter
Lynn Hamilton
Sally Ledbetter
Carole Lamond
Laura May
Melba Englander
Evaline
Pamela Singleton
Fat Bessie
Rozaa Jean
Sugar Tit
Nat Williams
Albert
Madge Sinclair
Miss Eula
George Williams
Shorty
Timothy Pickard
Gray Man
Rhetta Greene
Lethe
Release History & Theatrical Window
USA Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
May 28, 1976
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Gordon Parks
- Screenplay & Story
- Ernest Kinoy
- Original Score
- Fred Karlin
- Original Title
- Leadbelly
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 6m
- Production Studios
- David Paradine Productions, Brownstone Productions, Zeeuwse Maatschappij N.V.
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Gordon Parks
Ernest Kinoy
Fred Karlin
Bruce Surtees
Moe Howard
Marc Merson, David Frost, Jack Grossberg
Department Leadership Roster
Bruce Surtees
Director of Photography
Fred Karlin
Original Music Composer
Moe Howard
Editor
Robert F. Boyle
Production Design
Marc Merson
Producer
Gordon Parks
Director
Ernest Kinoy
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
PG: Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
International Certification Matrix
Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Leadbelly.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Leadbelly.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Leadbelly
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Leadbelly about?
The life of Blues and folk singer Huddie Leadbetter, nicknamed Leadbelly is recounted. Covering the good times and bad from his 20s to 40s. Much of that time was spent on chain gangs in the south. Even in prison he became well known for the songs he had composed and sung during and before the time he spent there.
Who directed Leadbelly?
Leadbelly was directed by Gordon Parks.
Who stars in Leadbelly?
The principal cast of Leadbelly includes Roger E. Mosley, James Brodhead, John McDonald, Leonard Wrentz, Ernie Hudson.
When was Leadbelly released and how long is it?
Leadbelly was released in 1976 with a total runtime of 2h 6m.
Who composed the musical score for Leadbelly?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Leadbelly was composed by Fred Karlin.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Leadbelly?
Leadbelly holds official age classifications: US: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested — May contain mild violence or suggestive material.).