Originally broadcast on television in 2009 for History.

Documentary.

Inspired by the books "A people's history of the United States" by Howard Zinn and "Voices of a people's history of the United States" edited by Anthony Arnove.

Special features: Behind-the-scenes at the Cutler Majestic Theatre (12 min.) ; celebrity interviews.

Music, David Baerwald ; director of photography, Tony Sacco ... [et al.] ; editors, Jon Berry, Yesenia Higuera, Dan Swietlik.

Narrator, Howard Zinn.

Dramatic and musical performers: Allison Moorer, Benjamin Bratt, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Chris Robinson, Christina Kirk, Danny Glover, Darryl "DMC" McDaniels, David Strathairn, Don Cheadle, Eddie Vedder, Harris Yulin, Jasmine Guy, John Legend, Josh Brolin, Kathleen Chalfant, Kerry Washington, Lupe Fiasco, Marisa Tomei, Martín Espada, Matt Damon, Michael Ealy, Mike O'Malley, Morgan Freeman, P!nk, Q'orianka Kilcher, Reg E. Cathey, Rich Robinson, Rosario Dawson, Ry Cooder, Sandra Oh, Sean Penn, Staceyann Chin, Van Dyke Parks, Viggo Mortensen.

"Using dramatic and musical performances of the letters, diaries and speeches of everyday Americans, the documentary feature film The People Speak gives voice to those who spoke up for social change throughout U.S. history, forging a nation from the bottom up with their insistence on equality and justice. Narrated by acclaimed historian Howard Zinn and based on his best-selling books, A People's History of the United States and, with Anthony Arnove, Voices of a People's History, The People Speak illustrates the relevance of these passionate historical moments to our society today and reminds us never to take liberty for granted."--from Howard Zinn's website.

DVD; NTSC, Dolby Digital 5.1 surround.

English audio; English closed-captioned.