Watch The Murder of Fred Hampton

The Murder of Fred Hampton is a 1971 documentary-style film that chronicles the life and untimely death of civil rights leader Fred Hampton. The movie was directed by Howard Alk and stars Skip Andrew, Edward Carmody, and James Davis. The film begins by introducing the viewer to Fred Hampton, a charismatic and inspiring leader who rose to prominence as the chairman of the Illinois chapter of the Black Panther Party. Through interviews with Hampton's family, friends, and fellow activists, the movie paints a vivid picture of a young man who had a profound impact on the lives of those around him.

Hampton's story is told against the backdrop of the civil rights movement of the 1960s, a time when racial tensions were high in the United States. The Black Panther Party, founded in Oakland, California by Huey P. Newton and Bobby Seale in 1966, was an organization dedicated to fighting against police brutality and advocating for the rights of Black people. The party quickly gained a following across the country, including in Chicago, where Hampton's leadership helped to establish a strong chapter.

However, Hampton's success also made him a target for law enforcement officials who were determined to disrupt and dismantle the Black Panther Party. In December 1969, at the young age of 21, Hampton was gunned down by police officers while he slept in his apartment. The authorities claimed that Hampton was killed during a gun battle, but evidence suggested that the raid was a deliberate assassination carried out by the FBI and the Chicago Police Department.

The Murder of Fred Hampton explores the circumstances surrounding Hampton's death and the extent to which the U.S. government was actively working to suppress the Black Panther Party. The film includes footage from Hampton's speeches and rallies, as well as interviews with those who knew him best. It also shows the aftermath of his death, including the outrage it sparked in the Black community and the continuing struggles faced by those who fought for justice in his name.

Overall, The Murder of Fred Hampton is a powerful and sobering portrayal of a young man whose life was cut tragically short. Through its use of documentary-style footage and interviews, the film brings an important chapter of American history to life and sheds light on the ongoing struggle for racial equality. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in civil rights, political activism, and the fight for social justice.

The Murder of Fred Hampton is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.5 and a MetaScore of 86.