'Liberators' Producers Cancel Distribution

Producers of "Liberators" cancelled distribution of the film Thursday, citing a need to evaluate mounting criticisms of its historical inaccuracies.

Despite controversy, the documentary on the role of World War II Black battalions in liberating Nazi concentration camps drew a crowd of 1200 to Sanders Theatre last Monday night. The showing was followed by a panel discussion led by honorary guest Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.

Criticism surrounds the film's claim that the Black 761st and 183rd Battalions helped liberate prisoners from the notorious Buchenwald and Dachau concentration camps.

"We withdrew the film because of some questions that probably pertain to the last fifteen minutes of it," said Denise B. Crawford, a spokesperson for one of the film's producers.

The filmmakers and producers plan to evaluate and, if necessary, revise the documentary for redistribution within 30 days, Crawford said.

"The entire premise of the film is that Black soldiers were part of the World War II effort," Crawford said "Unfortunately, the movie has been overshadowed by questions about very specific details, not about the film itself. We stand by the film 100 percent."

Assistant Professor of Law Charles J. Ogletree, a member of Monday night's panel, said he approved of the producers' decision to evaluate the documentary.

"My sense is that people who watched learned more about the role of Black Americans and their fight against racism during and after the war, as well as of the unpardonable. acts of the Nazi regime," Ogletree said. "We were drawn to it as a vehicle and not as an end in adding to Black-Jewish relations."

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, who helped organize the showing at Sanders, said despite possible inaccuracies in the film, he believed it still contains a valuable message.

"The film points to an important role that Black soldiers played in the saving of Jewish lives during World War II," Epps said.

University of Texas professor of American history Robert H. Abzug '67, who is listed as a historical consultant to the film, said the producers had no logical alternative but to withdraw the film for revision. Abzug earlier this week denied any involvement in research for the film.

Abzug said he would suggest editing the last 15 minutes of the film, where troops liberate the concentration camps. "[But] it would be crazy to throw what was actually an extraordinarily good film away," he said.

"Every soldier was part of the liberation," Abzug said. "Part of the tragedy is that the movie was for a good cause. The filmmakers had no malice of forethought, but were simply not careful about cross-checking their information."

Alex B. Livingston contributed to the reporting of this story.

Dean of Students Archie C. Epps III, who helped organize the showing at Sanders, said despite possible inaccuracies in the film, he believed it still contains a valuable message.

"The film points to an important role that Black soldiers played in the saving of Jewish lives during World War II," Epps said.

University of Texas professor of American history Robert H. Abzug '67, who is listed as a historical consultant to the film, said the producers had no logical alternative but to withdraw the film for revision. Abzug earlier this week denied any involvement in research for the film.

Abzug said he would suggest editing the last 15 minutes of the film, where troops liberate the concentration camps. "[But] it would be crazy to throw what was actually an extraordinarily good film away," he said.

"Every soldier was part of the liberation," Abzug said. "Part of the tragedy is that the movie was for a good cause. The filmmakers had no malice of forethought, but were simply not careful about cross-checking their information."

Alex B. Livingston contributed to the reporting of this story.