Nightjohn (1996): cast, story & where to watch
1996 · Film · ★ 5.7
Released in 1996, Nightjohn is a drama and tv movie film directed by Charles Burnett, running about 92 minutes. “Words Are Freedom” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. John is a man of many talents, including one forbidden skill: he can read. When he teaches a young slave girl named Sarny to read and write, she learns an unforgettable lesson about the power of words and the true meaning of freedom.
Who’s in it. Nightjohn stars Beau Bridges as Clel Waller, Carl Lumbly as Nightjohn, Bill Cobbs as Old man and Gabriel Casseus as Outlaw, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, Nightjohn has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Nightjohn page.
If you liked it. Fans of Nightjohn tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Nightjohn (1996)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Nightjohn change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Nightjohn worth watching?
- Nightjohn holds an audience score of 5.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and tv movie. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Nightjohn?
- Nightjohn stars Beau Bridges, Carl Lumbly, Bill Cobbs, Gabriel Casseus and Deborah Duke.
- When was Nightjohn released?
- Nightjohn was released in 1996, with a runtime of about 92 minutes.