Reluctant Comrade
Timewatch · Season 10 · Episode 4
In 1934, Robert Robinson, a young black car worker from Detroit, was blacklisted by America after renewing a short-term contract from the Russians to work in the First State Ball Bearing Plant in Moscow. During his enforced 44 years inside the Soviet Union, Robinson was coerced to work alongside Stalin on the Moscow Soviet and ultimately to take citizenship. He finally succeeded in escaping while on a visit to Uganda. Now 84 and living in Washington, DC, Robert Robinson recounts his extraordinary life and observations of the Soviet Union during a crucial period in its history.
Episode Details
Air date, runtime, timezone, and episode position.
Season
10
Episode
4
Air Date
27/Feb/1991
Air Time
21:00
Runtime
50 min
Overview
Episode summary.
In 1934, Robert Robinson, a young black car worker from Detroit, was blacklisted by America after renewing a short-term contract from the Russians to work in the First State Ball Bearing Plant in Moscow. During his enforced 44 years inside the Soviet Union, Robinson was coerced to work alongside Stalin on the Moscow Soviet and ultimately to take citizenship. He finally succeeded in escaping while on a visit to Uganda. Now 84 and living in Washington, DC, Robert Robinson recounts his extraordinary life and observations of the Soviet Union during a crucial period in its history.
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