About Miss Evers' Boys (HBO)

Released in 1997 by HBO, Miss Evers' Boys is a moving and often confronting drama that explores the infamous Tuskegee Study of Untreated Syphilis in the Negro Male. The film offers a critical exploration of the ethical conflicts present in human experiments and the systemic racism present at the time.

Making / Production

Crafted under the production company HBO NYC Productions, the film was directed by Joseph Sargent and written by Walter Bernstein according to David Feldshuh's original play. The historical drama unfolds the unethical conduct surrounding the 40-year long study carried out by U.S health Services.

Actors

• Alfre Woodard as Nurse Eunice Evers delivered a powerful performance that truly embodied the conflict of loyalty and morality.
• Laurence Fishburne as Caleb Humphries portrayed the struggle of the victims brilliantly highlighting their suffering and strength.
• Craig Sheffer as Dr. Douglas played skilfully the part of someone complicit yet empathetic in the unethical events.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• Miss Evers’ Boys was adapted from a stage play written by a practicing physician, Dr. David Feldshuh.
• The film is based on a real-life event - 'Tuskegee Study' carried out between 1932 and 1972.
• The controversy surrounding this study led to significant changes in U.S. law concerning the protection of participants in clinical trials and studies.

Awards

The film was greatly acknowledged for its brilliant portrayal and story. It won numerous awards including the prestigious Golden Globe for the Best Television Limited Series or Motion Picture Leading to a significant impact on increasing public awareness about the issue.

Quotes

• “Somebody has to care about these men. Somebody has to remember.”- Eunice Evers
• “One improved unit. Ten improved units. A hundred thousand improved units. That's change!" – Caleb Humphries

Music, Soundtrack

• The haunting and authentic soundtrack was composed by Charles Bernstein adding another layer to the historic drama’s narrative and overall tone.