PERSEVERANCE : The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor
is an award-winning, 52 minute documentary film exploring the dramatic life story of one of Michigan’s greatest running backs.
Presented by the Big Ten Network in 2013 and 2014, the film highlights Taylor’s college glories but then goes deep, exploring the setbacks that damaged his reputation, and his subsequent 25-year roller coaster ride to recovery and redemption.
PERSEVERANCE contains seldom-seen Michigan Football images, and touches on multiple social and personal themes. The film acknowledges Bo Schembechler’s important role in Taylor’s story. Featured interview subjects include Gary Moeller, Jerry Hanlon, David Brandon, Don Moorhead, Thom Darden, Henry Hill, Bruce Madej, John U. Bacon and Tom Ufer, in addition to Dr. Billy Taylor and members of his family.
2 Minute Trailer:
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PERSEVERANCE was co-directed by Michigan alums Dan Chace and Bob Hercules. The film is suitable for viewers of all ages. DVDs are exclusively available in-store and online from The M Den. The DVD includes the rare 1971 Michigan Football film Vintage Bo, courtesy of Triumph Books (22 mins). The film is also available for rental or download on iTunes or Amazon Prime via the links below. |
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Acclaim for PERSEVERANCE: The Story of Dr. Billy Taylor!
"From the cheers of Michigan Stadium to destitute homelessness on the streets of Detroit, Taylor's comeback serves as the heart and soul of this deeply moving film. One has to see PERSEVERANCE: The Story Of Dr. Billy Taylor to fully appreciate the larger wonders and importance of this documentary."
- Frank E. Beaver, Professor Emeritus, Screen Arts and Cultures, University of Michigan
“Not being a football fan, I knew nothing about Billy Taylor’s athletic feats or his tragic downfall, but his story informed and moved me. I was surprised to find myself crying as he reclaimed his life and went on to help other men in crisis. The film was expertly made, with still photos, archival footage, voice-over narration, on camera interviews and present-day footage of Detroit all blending smoothly to tell a remarkable tale. With support, people can “get back up,” to borrow the name of Taylor’s organization. After seeing PERSEVERANCE I felt better about the world and its possibilities. I recommend the movie to everyone, even those who don’t like sports.”
- Ursula McPike, Independent Literary Editor, Chicago
“I loved the pace of the film. Blending photos, news clippings and video footage with music, it moves very quickly and seamlessly, more in line with the up-tempo style of the 30 for 30 series than say a PBS Ken Burns feature. They packed a massive amount of material in the 52-ish minutes and it flies by. Chace and Hercules did a wonderful job of weaving this story together. Like a memorable documentary should, PERSEVERANCE delivers a series of special moments that grab you. PERSEVERANCE definitely belongs in your collection, alongside the great films chronicling Michigan lore!”
- Greg Dooley, Editor, MVICTORS.COM
"From the cheers of Michigan Stadium to destitute homelessness on the streets of Detroit, Taylor's comeback serves as the heart and soul of this deeply moving film. One has to see PERSEVERANCE: The Story Of Dr. Billy Taylor to fully appreciate the larger wonders and importance of this documentary."
- Frank E. Beaver, Professor Emeritus, Screen Arts and Cultures, University of Michigan
“Not being a football fan, I knew nothing about Billy Taylor’s athletic feats or his tragic downfall, but his story informed and moved me. I was surprised to find myself crying as he reclaimed his life and went on to help other men in crisis. The film was expertly made, with still photos, archival footage, voice-over narration, on camera interviews and present-day footage of Detroit all blending smoothly to tell a remarkable tale. With support, people can “get back up,” to borrow the name of Taylor’s organization. After seeing PERSEVERANCE I felt better about the world and its possibilities. I recommend the movie to everyone, even those who don’t like sports.”
- Ursula McPike, Independent Literary Editor, Chicago
“I loved the pace of the film. Blending photos, news clippings and video footage with music, it moves very quickly and seamlessly, more in line with the up-tempo style of the 30 for 30 series than say a PBS Ken Burns feature. They packed a massive amount of material in the 52-ish minutes and it flies by. Chace and Hercules did a wonderful job of weaving this story together. Like a memorable documentary should, PERSEVERANCE delivers a series of special moments that grab you. PERSEVERANCE definitely belongs in your collection, alongside the great films chronicling Michigan lore!”
- Greg Dooley, Editor, MVICTORS.COM