Lord Thing (1970)

Produced at the height of the black power movement in the early ‘70s, Lord Thing is an insider history into the genesis and transformation of the Conservative Vice Lords gang, one of Chicago's oldest street gangs. Partially shaped and told by by CVL members who also appear in the film, Lord Thing is a unique and powerful tool that expresses an effort in self-transformation during a volatile and violent time in US race history. Gritty and rhythmic, this unusual film reflects an under-told chapter in gang history as members from the West Side neighborhood of North Lawndale try to become viable and political agents in their community. (Chicago Film Archives)

Director: DeWitt Beall
Genre: Crime, Documentary
Runtime: 52 min
Release Date:

Cast

Music: Luther Allison
Cinematography: Kaz Ayukawa
Editing: Glenn McGowean
Production: Filmsmith Productions
Country: United States of America, Congo
Language: English
Original Language: en

Trailer

Lord Thing Trailer
More Films by Director: DeWitt Beall
More Films in Genre: Crime, Documentary

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lord Thing about?
Produced at the height of the black power movement in the early ‘70s, Lord Thing is an insider history into the genesis and transformation of the Conservative Vice Lords gang, one of Chicago's oldest street gangs. Partially shaped and told by by CVL members who also appear in the film, Lord Thing is a unique and powerful tool that expresses an effort in self-transformation during a volatile and violent time in US race history. Gritty and rhythmic, this unusual film reflects an under-told chapter in gang history as members from the West Side neighborhood of North Lawndale try to become viable and political agents in their community. (Chicago Film Archives)
Who directed Lord Thing?
Lord Thing was directed by DeWitt Beall.
Who stars in Lord Thing?
Lord Thing stars Leonard Sengali, Lou Palmer.
How long is Lord Thing?
Lord Thing has a runtime of 52m (52 minutes).
What genre is Lord Thing?
Lord Thing is a Crime, Documentary film.
Where was Lord Thing produced?
Lord Thing was produced in United States of America, Congo.