The Last White Knight

The Last White Knight is a thought-provoking and poignant documentary that examines the complex relationship between a civil rights activist and a former Ku Klux Klan member. Directed by Paul Saltzman, the film features Delay de la Beckwith, Jim Ingram, and Donna Ladd as they revisit one of the darkest chapters in American history.

The story begins with director Paul Saltzman returning to Mississippi after 40 years to an encounter with de la Beckwith, a fiercely proud member of the Ku Klux Klan, who assaulted him during the civil rights movements of the 1960s. Unlike an expected face-off, the interaction opens a window into a narrative that explores the dichotomy of hate and acceptance, prejudice and understanding, violence and non-violence.

De la Beckwith represents a lineage of racial hatred, being the son of one of the most infamous segregationists, Byron De La Beckwith, who was charged, though acquitted, for the murder of civil rights activist Medgar Evers. His candid interviews provide a chilling insight into the mindset of extreme racial prejudice, a perspective that was widely shared during that time. However, what makes The Last White Knight complex and engaging is its refusal to demonize de la Beckwith. Instead, de la Beckwith is presented as a part of a social system that fostered and upheld racism, highlighting the institutionalized prejudice that existed in America during the Civil Rights Era.

On the other side of the narrative is Paul Saltzman himself, a volunteer for Martin Luther King Jr’s Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee during the Civil Rights Movement. The story provides an intimate look at Saltzman's experiences and growth, exploring his journey toward understanding and forgiving his former assailant. This deep dive into Saltzman's history elucidates the evolution of his progressive views and unwavering commitment to racial equality, juxtaposing his journey with the stubborn persistence of de la Beckwith’s prejudices.

Jim Ingram, Mississippi's top FBI officer during the 1960s civil rights murders, and Donna Ladd, Editor-in-Chief of the Jackson Free Press, also provide valuable perspectives on the racial tension and violence that coloured the era. They shed light on the struggles of civil rights activists in Mississippi and the challenges they faced in their struggle against racism.

The Last White Knight also navigates through the current racial climate in the United States, juxtaposing the past and the present to emphasize the significant progress made and the persistent issues that still endure. It also explores the socioeconomic and political factors that shaped, and continue to shape, racial narratives.

The film boasts compelling firsthand accounts, archival footage, and contemporary interviews, resulting in a layered and nuanced exploration of race relations in America. The Last White Knight neither simplifies the issues nor offers trite solutions but instead focuses on dialogue and understanding as a way forward.

Visually, the film is compelling, brimming with historical photographs and footage that create a vivid picture of the era. The interviews' raw honesty and emotion breathe life into history, transforming it from a collection of facts into a deeply human narrative.

At its core, The Last White Knight is a personal story from Saltzman built around an extraordinary dialogue with de la Beckwith. The film excels through its bold approach to tackling its dense themes, translating the complexities of racism, hatred, forgiveness, and reconciliation into an accessible narrative that resonates deeply with the viewer. It's challenging, confronting, and ultimately illuminating.

The Last White Knight is a must-see for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of race relations in America, not only for its historical examination but also for its exploration of the path toward racial harmony. It emphasises empathy, understanding, and communication as the basis for racial reconciliation, encapsulated by Saltzman's remarkable journey toward reconciling with his own past and striving for a more equal future.