The Ballad of Greenwich Village

Filmmaker Karen Kramer tells the story of the artists, rebels, and bohemians who came to New York's Greenwich Village over many decades, and changed the face of American culture through their art and politics. The film portrays important political and social movements that started in the Village, such as the first interracial jazz club, the earliest Socialist newspapers from before World War I, and the Stonewall rebellion that sparked gay liberation. On-camera stories from well-known celebrities who got their start in Greenwich Village include actor Tim Robbins, who speaks about growing up in the Village and going to early protest rallies. Beat poet Allen Ginsberg shows us the coffee house where he first read poetry. Playwright Edward Albee relates stories of how his controversial plays found a venue here. Other stories are told by poet Maya Angelou, author Norman Mailer, director Woody Allen, jazz drummer Roy Haynes, and folk singers Peter, Paul, & Mary, Judy Collins, and Richie Havens, as well as local Village painters, drag queens, activists, and club owners. Actress Lili Taylor is the narrator. The film is a celebration of what was America's true bohemia.