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Appalshop at 50
Big Lever: Party Politics in Leslie County, Kentucky
Directed by Frances Morton
Sunday, August 18, 1 pm
Free
“Powerfully telling . . . thoroughly engrossing . . . a microcosm of U.S. political tactics—both legal and illicit.” —Booklist
In 1978, Richard Nixon chose the small mountain jurisdiction of Leslie County, Kentucky for his first public appearance since resigning the Presidency. Priceless footage of his visit introduces an incisive and sometimes hilarious look at the engines that drive American politics. The film explores the machinations of party politics in this rural and staunchly Republican county: holler to holler vote-hunting, family squabbles over candidates, patronage promises, speech-making on the courthouse steps, and the up-and-down career of the incumbent County Judge-Executive who sought re-election while under indictment for voter fraud conspiracy. This film was recently preserved by Appalshop Archive. 1982, U.S., digital file, 53 minutes. Recommended for 12+.