A portrait of the people's man who almost became their dictator before one of his political victims assassinated him.

A fascinating documentary portrait of Louisiana politician Huey P. Long, known to many as "the Kingfish."
Filmmaker Ken Burns tells the complex story of Long through the use of archival footage, insightful and often entertaining narration, and interviews with some of the people who knew the politician best. We also meet residents of the state who recall Long's many years in the public eye.
The movie traces Long's life, from his middle-class childhood spent on his family's Louisiana farm, through his long career in politics which was cut short in 1935, when an assassin murdered him.
Although "the Kingfish" is portrayed as a ruthless politician who often sacrificed justice to get what he wanted, the film also explores some of his many accomplishments, including his success in providing education and jobs for the poor.

Shown at the New York Film Festival on September 28 and 29, 1985.

Released theatrically in New York City on February 14, 1986.

Produced by RKB and Florentine Films.

The black and white footage was shot in 16m.

Additional credits: William Leuchtenburg, Alan Brinkley, Arthur M. Schlesinger Jr., William Snyder, and Jerome Liebling (consultants).

DVD Features:

Region 1
Keep Case
Single Side - Single Layer
Widescreen - 1.85
Interactive Features:
Scene Access

Ken Burns: Documentarian

"...Burns draws Huey Long so pungently that you can't help ruminating on the roots of the tragedy....Burns is a master of the current historical documentary..."
"...Burns's fine, feature-length documentary, HUEY LONG, beautifully evokes not only "the Kingfish"...but also the social and economic conditions that produced the man....Remarkably comprehensive..."