Cinequest 2009
“The Least Among You” (writer/director Mark Young) is a drama based on the early life of Dr. Charles Marks, a man who desired corporate success but whose destiny became entwined with spiritual endeavors.
Walking into the wrong place at the wrong time, Richard Kelley (Cedric Sanders) is swept up into police custody during the 1965 Watts’ riots. being innocent but unable to prove it, he accepts a sentence of probation the requires him to attend the local seminary. At the all-white bible school, a place that should be a fortress of tolerance and understanding, Kelly faces racism and bigotry, and the greatest trial of all, that of his spirit. Kelly receives special guidance from Samuel, the janitor (Lou Gossett Jr.) who lives in the basement of his dormitory. With positive perspective and a dedicated perseverance, Kelly finds his way through the maze of racial mire to succeed in the world of religion.
“Least…” is not a perfect film, but it does provide a telling reminder that sanctioned discrimination was not that long ago, that civil rights wasn’t always national policy, and that opportunities weren’t always equal for all. It was a sad time. The film also offers a touching hope that we are conquering and overcoming our past and that the color of skin no longer bars the path to the future. “The Least Among You” shows we’ve come a long way. It also shows we’ve still a ways yet to go.
Featured are tv and film denizens William Devane and Lauren Holly.