A new documentary examines the Mexican-American child actors who appeared in the 1956 blockbuster movie “Giant” but later were forced to view the film in segregated theaters.
“Giant,” starring Rock Hudson, Elizabeth Taylor and James Dean, was set in West Texas and was one of the first films to openly tackle racism. The “Children of Giant” seeks to tell the story of the Mexican-Americans who battled discrimination in Marfa, Texas, and mingled with Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Director Hector Galan says “Giant” was important because it introduced to the nation the problems Mexican-Americans faced. However, little was known about the Latino actors from the film and how the movie changed their lives forever.
“Children of Giant” kicks off a new season of the PBS Voces series on April 17.
