Watch Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene

Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene is a documentary film released in 2008 about the life and times of a controversial and revolutionary radio personality from Washington, D.C., known as Petey Greene. The film, directed by Loren Mendell, takes an in-depth look at the man behind the microphone and how he became a voice of the people during a turbulent and transformative era in American history.

Petey Greene was born in 1931 in Washington, D.C., and grew up in poverty. He struggled with addiction and criminal activity before being imprisoned in the late 1960s. While serving time, Greene began to hone his skills as a storyteller and launched his own radio program, "Rapping with Petey Greene," which eventually became a hit among African-American audiences.

The film features interviews with many people who knew Greene, including his family members, fellow radio hosts, civil rights activists, and even some of his former inmates. Greene's story is told through a mix of archival footage, dramatic recreations, and animation. The film also features footage of Greene's appearances on various television shows and interviews with celebrities such as Richard Pryor and Muhammad Ali.

One of the most significant aspects of the documentary is the spotlight it shines on the social and political issues of the time. Through his radio program, Greene became a leading voice for the lower-income and disenfranchised communities of Washington, D.C. He took on issues such as police brutality, racial inequality, and the war in Vietnam. He was known for his straightforward and often controversial commentary, which often caused controversy among those in power.

The film also explores Greene's relationship with Marion Barry Jr., the former mayor of Washington, D.C. who had also served time in prison before entering politics. Both men were passionate about improving the lives of African Americans in their city, but their relationship was strained at times. The film shows how their differences sometimes led to conflict, but also how they ultimately found common ground in their shared commitment to social justice.

Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene is also notable for its soundtrack, which features music from some of the most beloved soul, funk, and R&B artists of the day, including James Brown, Chuck Brown, and Parliament-Funkadelic.

Overall, Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene is a fascinating and engaging look at a true American original. The film is a powerful reminder of the importance of using one's voice to speak out against injustice and the power of storytelling to inspire social change. It is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of American popular culture or the Civil Rights Movement.

Adjust Your Color: The Truth of Petey Greene is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.