A Time for Burning
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
William C. Jersey
L. William Youngdahl
Ernie Chambers
Ted Backstrom
Ray Christensen
Gene Zimmerman
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
Rev. L. William Youngdahl, the new pastor of the Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, meets with opposition while attempting to foster improved relations between his white, middle class congregation and neighboring black churches. Youngdahl is frustrated by white indifference and black suspicion, as voiced by Ernie Chambers, an articulate barber. Nevertheless, he initiates a series of informal visits. Attorney Ted Backstrom, chairman of the church's social action committee, supports the program, while member Ray Christensen fears that forced integration will divide the church. Meanwhile, church schoolteachers Mr. and Mrs. Gene Zimmerman arrange for teenagers in their class to visit Calvin Memorial Presbyterian Church. The black youths' corresponding visit to Augustana provokes controversy within the white congregation. During a visit with Dr. and Mrs. Earle Persons, members of Hope Lutheran Church, the pastor is cautioned that predecessors advocating integration have been forced to resign their pastorates. Persons' observation is prophetic. Faced with declining attendance, Youngdahl tenders his resignation.
Cast
L. William Youngdahl
Ernie Chambers
Ted Backstrom
Ray Christensen
Gene Zimmerman
Mrs. Gene Zimmerman
Earle Persons
Mrs. Earle Persons
Crew
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
Filmed in Omaha, Nebraska. First shown on television October 17, 1966 on "NET Journal."
Miscellaneous Notes
Released in United States 1967
Released in United States 1997
Released in United States 1967
Released in United States 1997 (Shown in New York City (Film Forum) as part of program "60's Verite" November 14 - December 11, 1997.)
