Alan Lomax visit the prison and interview Leadbelly, having him play all his songs for them. After he finishes telling his life story, they tell him they will see what they can do about getting him out of prison. The film ends with a title card stating that Leadbelly was released from prison and pursued his music career. Cast Roger E. Mosley as Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter/Walter Boyd Paul Benjamin as Wes Ledbetter Madge Sinclair as Miss Eula Alan Manson as Prison Chief Guard Albert Hall as Dicklicker Art Evans as Lemon "Blind Lemon" Jefferson James Brodhead as John Lomax John Henry Faulk as Governor Pat Neff Vivian Bonnell as Old Lady Dana Manno as Margaret Judd Lynn Hamilton as Sally Ledbetter William Wintersole as Sheriff Further reading Kevles, Barbara. "The Marketing of Leadbelly." Cineaste Fall 2003: 34-35. Boyd, III, L. Roi. "Exploring Gordon Parks' "Leadbelly": Thirty Years Later" BTNews Vol.16, No.1 Winter/Spring 2006: 15-20. References External links 1976 films 1970s biographical drama films American biographical drama films Biographical films about musicians Biographical films about singers Blues films Films directed by Gordon Parks Films scored by Fred Karlin Films set in Louisiana Films set in Texas Films set in the 1910s Films set in the 1920s Films set in the 1930s Films shot in Texas Marlin, Texas Paramount Pictures films Cultural depictions of blues musicians 1976 drama films 1970s English-language films 1970s American films