Watch Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World

The Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World is a fascinating documentary that tells the story of one of the most iconic basketball teams in the history of the sport. This movie takes us on a journey through the lives of some of the people who made this team what it was, from its beginnings in the 1920s to its rise to world fame in the 1970s.

Geese Ausbie, one of the most beloved players in the history of the Globetrotters, is the star of this documentary. The movie starts by introducing him and other members of the team, showcasing their incredible talent on the court but also highlighting the obstacles they had to overcome off it.

From the start, it's clear that the Harlem Globetrotters were a different kind of team. They played a style of basketball that was both entertaining and groundbreaking, incorporating acrobatic moves, trick shots, and hilarious gags into their games. But they also faced a lot of discrimination, both as African Americans and as entertainers.

The documentary shows us how the team managed to overcome these challenges, thanks to the leadership of their coach and manager, Abe Saperstein, and the perseverance of the players. We hear from some of the surviving members of the team, who share their memories of traveling around the world, facing off against the best basketball players in the world, and winning over audiences with their unique style of play.

One of the most interesting parts of the documentary is the way it explores the relationship between the Globetrotters and the Civil Rights movement. At a time when segregation was still the law of the land in many parts of the US, the Globetrotters were breaking down racial barriers on the court. They played in arenas that were off-limits to other African American athletes, and they were embraced by fans of all races.

The players themselves were also deeply involved in the Civil Rights movement, from organizing boycotts to participating in protests. The documentary does an excellent job of showing how the Globetrotters were able to use their platform as entertainers to promote social change.

Throughout the movie, we see some amazing footage of the Globetrotters in action. Their games were a spectacle unlike any other, with players flipping and spinning the ball, pulling off trick passes, and scoring impossible shots. The documentary captures the excitement and energy of those games, and it's clear why this team became such a global sensation.

The Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World is also a poignant tribute to the players who have passed away. We hear about the contributions of legends like Meadowlark Lemon, Wilt Chamberlain, and Marques Haynes, and we see how their legacy continues to inspire the Globetrotters of today.

The documentary doesn't shy away from the controversies that have surrounded the team over the years, from accusations of exploitation to concerns about the negative impact of their antics on the game of basketball as a whole. But overall, it's a celebration of what the Harlem Globetrotters achieved, both as entertainers and as trailblazers.

In conclusion, The Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of basketball or the Civil Rights movement. It's a fascinating look at a team that truly changed the world, and it's sure to leave viewers inspired and entertained.

Harlem Globetrotters: The Team that Changed the World is a 2005 documentary with a runtime of 50 minutes.