Showing 6 of 6 scenes
The Butler
by Danny Strong
After years of estrangement over their differing political views, Cecil joins his son Louis on the front lines of an anti-apartheid protest. The two men finally reconcile as Cecil chooses his relationship with his son over his career and past convictions.
A tense family dinner erupts into a generational and ideological clash when Louis brings home his girlfriend, a member of the Black Panther Party. The conflict reaches a breaking point when Louis insults Sidney Poitier, leading Cecil to kick his son out of the house and Gloria to deliver a stinging defense of her husband's dignity.
A tense family dinner erupts into a violent argument when Louis and his girlfriend Carol challenge Cecil's traditional values with their Black Panther ideology. The conflict reaches a breaking point when Louis insults Sidney Poitier, leading Cecil to kick his son out of the house after a physical confrontation involving Gloria.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. discusses the Vietnam War and the social significance of the black domestic worker with Louis. King offers a profound perspective on how Louis's father's profession serves as a quiet but powerful form of subversion against racial stereotypes.
Malcolm X delivers a provocative speech comparing the historical dynamics of house and field slaves to the modern civil rights movement. He challenges the philosophy of non-violence, causing a deep internal conflict for Louis as he reflects on his father's profession and his own activism.
Cecil Gains interviews for a prestigious butler position at the White House with the formidable Maitre D', Freddie Fallows. Despite Freddie's initial coldness and preference for his own recruits, Cecil uses his refined knowledge of service and social etiquette to earn Freddie's respect and bridge the professional gap.