The United States Vs. Billie Holiday FYC
The United States Vs. Billie Holiday FYC DVD VIDEO DOCUMENTARY singer racism +
Movie
DVD
Hulu
2021
DVD
$34.99
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THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY FYC (FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION)
THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY is a significant film that explores the tumultuous life of the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, focusing on her struggles against racism, addiction, and her run-ins with the law. The narrative brings to light the profound impact that her music had on American culture and the systemic injustices that permeated her life.
Set during a critical time in American history, the film delves into the era of the 1930s and 1940s when Billie Holiday became an iconic figure in the world of jazz and blues. Her most famous song, “Strange Fruit,” serves as a powerful protest against the lynching of African Americans in the South, a haunting reminder of the racial violence of the time. Through this lens, the film illustrates not just Holiday's artistry, but also her courage in addressing issues that were often swept under the rug.
Contextual Background: The film provides necessary context for understanding the cultural and social climate of the time. The 1930s and 1940s were marked by the Great Depression, which exacerbated existing racial tensions in America. The systemic racism faced by Black Americans, particularly in the South, is a recurrent theme in Holiday's life and work. Her ability to translate personal pain and societal injustice into music made her a voice for those oppressed, elevating her from mere performer to cultural icon.
Biographical Elements: The film also explores Holiday's early life, including her childhood in Baltimore, where she faced numerous hardships. Abandoned by her father and raised in a troubled environment, her formative years were filled with challenges that shaped her resilience and artistry. The portrayal of her rise to fame also highlights key relationships, such as those with musicians and friends who influenced her career, as well as the destructive relationships that hindered her personal growth.
Struggles with Addiction: A significant focus of the film is Holiday's struggle with addiction, which played a tragic role in her life. Her battles with both alcohol and drug dependency are depicted with stark realism. The film does not shy away from showing how addiction further complicated her interactions with the law, contributing to her eventual arrest and imprisonment. It’s a poignant portrayal of how addiction can distort lives, even for someone with extraordinary talents and contributions to society.
Legal Battles: The legal aspect of the narrative is equally compelling. Holiday was continually targeted by law enforcement, particularly for her drug use and for the controversial nature of her song “Strange Fruit.” The film depicts the struggles she faced with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, illustrating how her art made her a target in a society that feared her message. The dramatic interactions between Holiday and law enforcement officials serve to highlight the intersection of race, gender, and class in America, and how these factors played a role in the persecution of Black artists.
Inferences and Cultural Impact: Ultimately, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY is more than just a biopic; it is a commentary on the broader societal issues that continue to resonate today. The film prompts discussions about the role of art in activism, the ongoing fight against racial inequality, and the importance of acknowledging the struggles of historical figures who have paved the way for future generations. Holiday's legacy as a singer remains a testament to the power of music as a form of resistance.
In summary, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY is a rich exploration of a complicated woman who lived at the intersection of music and activism, shedding light on both her brilliance and her battles. The film serves not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire a new generation about the important cultural and historical context in which Billie Holiday lived and worked.
For DVD Player (North American NTSC)
THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY is a significant film that explores the tumultuous life of the legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday, focusing on her struggles against racism, addiction, and her run-ins with the law. The narrative brings to light the profound impact that her music had on American culture and the systemic injustices that permeated her life.
Set during a critical time in American history, the film delves into the era of the 1930s and 1940s when Billie Holiday became an iconic figure in the world of jazz and blues. Her most famous song, “Strange Fruit,” serves as a powerful protest against the lynching of African Americans in the South, a haunting reminder of the racial violence of the time. Through this lens, the film illustrates not just Holiday's artistry, but also her courage in addressing issues that were often swept under the rug.
Contextual Background: The film provides necessary context for understanding the cultural and social climate of the time. The 1930s and 1940s were marked by the Great Depression, which exacerbated existing racial tensions in America. The systemic racism faced by Black Americans, particularly in the South, is a recurrent theme in Holiday's life and work. Her ability to translate personal pain and societal injustice into music made her a voice for those oppressed, elevating her from mere performer to cultural icon.
Biographical Elements: The film also explores Holiday's early life, including her childhood in Baltimore, where she faced numerous hardships. Abandoned by her father and raised in a troubled environment, her formative years were filled with challenges that shaped her resilience and artistry. The portrayal of her rise to fame also highlights key relationships, such as those with musicians and friends who influenced her career, as well as the destructive relationships that hindered her personal growth.
Struggles with Addiction: A significant focus of the film is Holiday's struggle with addiction, which played a tragic role in her life. Her battles with both alcohol and drug dependency are depicted with stark realism. The film does not shy away from showing how addiction further complicated her interactions with the law, contributing to her eventual arrest and imprisonment. It’s a poignant portrayal of how addiction can distort lives, even for someone with extraordinary talents and contributions to society.
Legal Battles: The legal aspect of the narrative is equally compelling. Holiday was continually targeted by law enforcement, particularly for her drug use and for the controversial nature of her song “Strange Fruit.” The film depicts the struggles she faced with the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, illustrating how her art made her a target in a society that feared her message. The dramatic interactions between Holiday and law enforcement officials serve to highlight the intersection of race, gender, and class in America, and how these factors played a role in the persecution of Black artists.
Inferences and Cultural Impact: Ultimately, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY is more than just a biopic; it is a commentary on the broader societal issues that continue to resonate today. The film prompts discussions about the role of art in activism, the ongoing fight against racial inequality, and the importance of acknowledging the struggles of historical figures who have paved the way for future generations. Holiday's legacy as a singer remains a testament to the power of music as a form of resistance.
In summary, THE UNITED STATES VS. BILLIE HOLIDAY is a rich exploration of a complicated woman who lived at the intersection of music and activism, shedding light on both her brilliance and her battles. The film serves not only to entertain but also to educate and inspire a new generation about the important cultural and historical context in which Billie Holiday lived and worked.
For DVD Player (North American NTSC)
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
