This article was written by Rebecca Gillette
The Minnesota Historical Society, in conjunction with 612IM, presents the Northside premiere of the film, 39 Seconds, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, January 22, at the Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway. Tickets are $10 and are available at thecapri.org or at the door the night of the show.
“When a man makes his living throwing a baseball, he has to be the best. When that man is an African-American from the South living in the early 20th Century, he has to be better than the best, he has to be John Donaldson.”
39 Seconds, a feature length documentary/live action film, explores a forgotten piece of American history. With a cast composed of the best acting talent in Minnesota, an original score by Jim Oestereich, and narration by Payton Woodson, the Capri audience will witness the true-life story of one of the greatest baseball players in the world, John Wesley Donaldson.
Following the film, hear from Phil Dixon, author of numerous books on Black baseball and one of the five founders of the Negro League Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri; Frank White, MNHS author of They Played for the Love of the Game, and those involved in making of the film. Then stay afterwards to mingle and meet our guest speakers, cast and crew members.
39 Seconds was selected for screening in the 2021 Twin Cities Film Fest and its lead actor, Leonard Searcy, was nominated in the best actor category for his amazing portrayal of John Donaldson.
More info: 39secondsfilm.com; nlbalive.com, thecapri.org
Please note: Capri COVID-19 safety protocols. The Capri requires all guests to present proof of either full COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours prior to attending an event. Masks are also required at all indoor events at the Capri. More info and resources: thecapri.org/covid.