The Man
Free in November, in Washington, D.C.

“The Man” Is Back
The First Black President Is Not Science Fiction

In Sept of 1970 I took on the assignment to write a two hour television motion picture to be based on the Irving Wallace novel, The Man. I had access to a previous adaptation....but I retained nothing at all from this beyond character names. From the novel itself I retained only the most fundamental premise....that of a black man fortuitously chosen to serve as President of the US. Beyond this premise, I submit that the script, its plot line and its dramatic incidents are all my own creation.
                                                                                                                                                          —Rod Serling

Washington, DC – October 15, 2010 -- “The Man,” starring James Earl Jones as the first black president of the United States, comes to Washington following the November mid-term elections, for three free screenings at Busboys and Poets locations. The script, written by Rod Serling, best known as the creator of the classic television series “The Twilight Zone,” is based on the novel of the same name by Irving Wallace, and directed by Joseph Sargent (“Something the Lord Made”). The film was intended to debut as a television movie, but received a short theatrical release in 1972.

The November screenings mark the beginning of a developing series of events themed after Rod Serling’s own interpretation of the storyteller’s role -- to “menace the public conscience.” Guest speakers for “The Man” include: Clayton LeBouef (“Something the Lord Made,” “Homicide: Life On the Street,” “The Wire”); Gordon C. Webb, Serling lecturer, board member of the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation. Other speakers and a complete schedule are TBA.

In “The Man,” Senator Douglass Dilman (James Earl Jones), through the law of succession suddenly becomes the first black man to occupy the Oval Office. “The Man” remains unique in that the film presents the black president as the central dramatic character confronting the political and social weights of his position. In addition to Jones, the film features well-known faces from TV and film including Burgess Meredith, Jack Benny (in a cameo), Janet MacLachlan, Georg Stanford Brown, Martin Balsam, Barbara Rush, and William Windom.

“The Man” is co-presented by The Zhanra Group and eclectique916.com in collaboration with the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation as part of Busboys and Poets “Focus-In! Cinema for a Conscious Community” film series. Busboys and Poets invites you to enjoy dinner and a movie from their food and drink menu during the event.

WHAT: Focus-In! - “The Man” (1972)
WHEN/WHERE: November at Busboys and Poets
- November 14 at 8 PM - 2021 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC
- November 21 at 7 PM, 4251 South Campbell Ave., Arlington, VA (Shirlington)
- November 28 at 8 PM, 1025 5th Street NW (5th & K)

No Admission Fee/FREE and open to the general public.
Reservations are recommended. Email events@eclectique916.com or call 202-939-0794.

For additional information visit:
Busboys and Poets
Eclectique916.com
Rod Serling Memorial Foundation