Vision Films
Available on DVD and VOD on May 12, 2020
Director/Producer Joyce Marie Fitzpatrick and Director/Producer/DP Brian C. Shackelford. Editor, Brian C. Shackelford
Review by James R (Jim) Martin
Documentaries come in many different forms and styles but there are two important aspects needed for a serious documentary exploration. That its approach is based on objective reality (facts) and that it be informative. At the same time, a documentary is expected to be interesting to watch. The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital meets all these criteria and also makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge concerning the history of the U.S., the history of African American’s and the culture of the country.
The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital is a topical, relevant, and important documentary film. The story is told in a warm and personal fashion by the people who lived and were part of the Homer G. Phillips Hospital over the years. Directed and Produced by Joyce Marie Fitzpatrick and Brian C. Shackelford the film makes use of archival footage and photographs, action, and interview footage. It is fast-paced and makes good use of archival material as well as first-person interviews. The documentary is being released by Vision Films in association with Flatcat-Productions, LLC and Tunnel Vizion Films, Inc.
The Color of Medicine: The Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital brings to light the origins and history of this groundbreaking hospital that brought healthcare for African Americans in St. Louis at a time when it was greatly needed. After much controversy and delay the Homer G. Phillips Hospital opened in 1939 when much of the country still practiced segregation. It was the first public hospital fully staffed and administered by African Americans. This story has universal appeal and should be seen by everyone wishing to understand more about the evolution of healthcare and racial politics in the U.S. It is especially relevant today when we see the Coronavirus Pandemic taking a greater toll on minority communities where there are less or no public health care facilities.
The documentary constructs the story in a chronological fashion first showing the environment and conditions where Black Americans lived in a particular St. Louis neighborhood known as The Ville. The Ville was a small entirely black community where residents of varying education and economic levels lived and prospered as they would in a typical middle-class American family neighborhood. Building the hospital became the dream of Homer G. Phillips, a lawyer, and activist who lived in the Ville. Phillip’s efforts were instrumental in the hospital finally being built after the city of St. Louis delayed it for ten years. The opening in 1937 meant that African Americans in this area would finally be able to get state-of-the-art medical care and treatment. The clandestine closing of the hospital by the City of St. Louis in 1979 was a severe blow to the community. The closing was met with protest and rioting at the time.
During its existence, Homer G. Phillips Hospital became well known for the excellence of its medical staff and quality of care. It produced the largest number of black doctors and nurses in the world. “I was very proud to tell the story of the Homer G. Phillips Hospital because it truly is the Hidden Figures of black medicine,” says director Joyce Marie Fitzpatrick. “I hope everyone who sees this film can appreciate the contributions made and understands the disparities that African Americans and other minorities still face today during these turbulent times.”
“The film has taken away Best Documentary at Montreal International Black Film Festival, Gary International Black Film Festival, National Black Film Festival 2019 – Houston, Texas and I See You Awards 2019 – Detroit, Michigan, as well as being an Official Entry at several film festivals including St Louis International Film Festival, Reel World Film Festival, and Kansas City Film Fest International.” – Vision Films
The Color of Medicine: The story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital will be available on May 12, 2020, on digital for SRP of $4.99 – $9.99 from platforms including iTunes, Vudu, Google Play, Xbox, Amazon and FandangoNow, as well as cable affiliates everywhere. DVD purchase at $12.99 online at all major retailers.
Synopsis
“Boasting the largest number of black doctors and nurses in the world, Homer G. Phillips Hospital opened its doors in 1937 during a time in history when America still had segregated medical facilities. Through first-hand accounts, witness the controversial history of the hospital’s medical training and how it continues to affect the lives of its practitioners, patients, and community. While its founder attorney Homer G. Phillips was mysteriously killed, the hospital in his name thrived during the most turbulent of segregated times, allowing so many people of color to achieve greatness for the benefit of humankind.”
“The film features Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr., a 2nd generation physician, and alumnus from Homer G. Phillips hospital, who not only shares his unique and colorful personal story but also that of his father’s who was one of the first 27 black graduates of this ground-breaking facility. Dr. Earle U. Robinson Jr. stated, “Before these events are lost with my passing, I want to make sure people have the opportunity to learn about such a monumental place in history. The best times I’ve had in my life were the years I spent at Homer G. Phillips.” – Vision Films
“The historical importance of Homer G. Phillips and the hospital named after him cannot be understated, especially at a time where individuals in the medical field are more important than ever,” says Vision Films Managing Director/CEO, Lise Romanoff. “We’re reminded now that illness does not discriminate, and this important film celebrates the contribution to medicine from the African American community.”
Review by James R (Jim) Martin – Documentary Filmmaker, Writer, and Author. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2CCE7E7A20D1EC8E
