Liberation of L.B. Jones, The (1970)

In the small racially segregated US town of Somerton, Tennessee, well-to-do black funeral director Lord Byron “L.B.” Jones (Roscoe Lee Browne) is having trouble with his young wife Emma (Lola Falana), who is having a brazen sexual affair with a white policeman.

Jones wants a divorce and asks the town’s attorney, Oman Hedgepath (Lee J. Cobb) to get it for him.

This would mean bringing the policeman, Willie Joe Worth (Anthony Zerbe) – who is also married and has two children – into court, which would rock this quiet Southern town to its foundations.

So Hedgepath advises Willie Joe to solve his problems himself and in any way he can. Willie Joe’s solution is to have Jones brutally murdered.

The white establishment – including Hedgepath – systematically conspires to cover up the lynching to preserve the town’s social hierarchy.

Hedgepath’s newlywed nephew Steve Mundine (Lee Majors) and young wife Nella (Barbara Hershey) have been living with him, but the part he has played in this grim affair sickens them, and they leave.

This strong racial drama (catching at times the atmosphere and tension of In The Heat Of The Night) is brilliantly directed, as one would expect, by veteran William Wyler (it’s his final film).

An outstanding cast is headed by Lee J. Cobb. Roscoe Lee Browne and Lola Falana turn in superior performances, and Anthony Zerbe is unforgettable in his horrifyingly realistic portrayal of the slimy and despicable Willie Joe.

Oman Hedgepath
Lee J. Cobb
Willie Joe Worth
Anthony Zerbe
Lord Byron “L.B.” Jones
Roscoe Lee Browne
Emma Jones
Lola Falana
Steve Mundine
Lee Majors
Nella Mundine
Barbara Hershey
Sonny Boy Mosby
Yaphet Kotto
Stanley Bumpas
Arch Johnson
Mr Ike
Chill Wills
Mama Lavorn
Zara Cully
Benny
Fayard Nicholas
Henry
Joseph Attles
Erleen
Lauren Jones
Mayor
Dub Taylor
Jelly
Brenda Sykes
The Grocer
Larry D. Mann
Chief of Police
Ray Teal
Miss Griggs
Eve McVeagh
Miss Ponsella
Sonora McKeller

Director
William Wyler