Charles Burnett’s landmark film, submitted as his UCLA Master’s thesis, is a quietly powerful exploration of Black working-class life in Los Angeles. Stan works at a slaughterhouse in Watts, labor he abhors. The burden of his work mirrors his strained marriage and the stress of the daily grind, causing Stan to question whether a better way of life is possible. Burnett’s minimalist style creates a deeply resonant portrait of hardship and resilience in a tough, unforgiving world. Of his first feature, Burnett explained, “You don’t necessarily win battles; you survive.” Restored and remastered by UCLA Film & Television Archive, Milestone Films, and the Criterion Collection. Restoration supervised by Ross Lipman and Jillian Borders in consultation with Charles Burnett.