Study Guides: 4 Little Girls

(Spike Lee, 1997; 102 minutes)

  • Cinematographer: Ellen Kuras
  • Editor: Sam Pollard
  • Distributor: HBO Films

Abstract by Kenneth Chisholm (from imdb.com)

This film recounts the people and events leading up to the one of the most despicable hate-crimes during the height of the civil-rights movement, the bombing of the 16th Street Church in Birmingham, Alabama. In that attack, four little African-American girls lost their lives and a nation was simultaneously revolted, angered and galvanized to push the fight for equality and justice on.

The Four Girls

  • Denise McNair
  • Carole Robertson
  • Cynthia Wesley
  • Addie Mae Collins

Discussion Questions

  1. The comparison with Eyes on the Prize, both in content and in form, is crucial.
  2. What do we learn from the film that is not included in EOTP's portrayal of both the Freedom Rides (1961) and the Project C campaign (1963)?
  3. How does the film's focus differ from EOTP? Does Spike Lee have different motivations that those evident in EOTP?
  4. In what ways does the form of the two films differ? How does this affect the meaning of the film? For example, how does Spike Lee's off-camera voice change the relationship between the film and its interview subjects?
  5. Is Lee trying to be "objective"? What evidence convinces you of your opinion/