'51 Dons
| '51 Dons | |
|---|---|
 Film poster | |
| Written by |
|
| Directed by | Ron Luscinski |
| Narrated by | Johnny Mathis |
| Music by | Tom Hiel |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producers |
|
| Cinematography | Steven Douglas Smith |
| Editor | Teddy Gersten |
| Running time | 60 minutes |
| Production company | '51 Dons Productions |
| Original release | |
| Network | ESPN |
| Release | February 9, 2014 |
'51 Dons is a 2014 American
Synopsis
In 1951, future Pro Football Hall of Famers
Production
Filming began in late 2013. There were over 40 interviews filmed. Filming locations included in and around the
The surviving members of the 1951 Dons team who appear on camera include
This is the only film Johnny Mathis has chosen to narrate. Mathis has personal ties to the story, as he was a close friend of Ollie Matson while a track athlete at San Francisco's Washington High. Mathis later sang at Matson's wedding.[citation needed]
Reception
'51 Dons premiered on ESPN on Sunday, February 9, 2014,[3] in primetime to a strong critical reaction.[citation needed] It subsequently aired 12 times nationally in the U.S. on ESPN Networks [4] and three times throughout Canada on TSN. To date,[when?] the film has been seen by over one million viewers.
ESPN senior director, programming & acquisitions, Doug White said, "ESPN is proud to have '51 Dons as part of our annual Black History Month programming. The film displays the team's solidarity as they support two of their own, forgoing an opportunity to play in a bowl game and the monetary value of a championship."[5]
See also
References
- ^ Kantowski, Ron (February 14, 2014). "St. Clair's Dons 'the best team you never heard of'". Las Vegas Review-Journal. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
- ^ "ESPN highlights William Henneberry '48 and 1951 USF Dons". Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory. February 7, 2014. Archived from the original on 2014-12-28. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
- ^ Bianchino, Joe (February 10, 2014). "ESPN Features '51 USF Dons' Fight for Equality". 104.5 The Team ESPN Radio. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
- Philadelphia Tribune. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
- ^ Jarvis, Kimberly (February 6, 2014). "Black History Month Premiere: '51 Dons". ESPN Media Zone. Archived from the original on 2014-02-09. Retrieved August 1, 2014.
