Allison 1970
A haunting 7-minute portrait of Allison Krause, the Kent State University student killed by Ohio National Guard gunfire on May 4, 1970, Allison (1970) is a quiet yet devastating memorial woven from archival footage.
Director: Richard Myers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Allison (1970) about?
Allison (1970) is a short documentary portrait of Allison Krause, a student killed during the Kent State shootings in 1970. Using footage filmed by director Richard Myers and his students during anti-war protests, the film reflects on her life, family, and the broader tragedy of violence against students during a turbulent era.
Who directed Allison?
Allison (1970) was directed by Richard Myers, who captured its haunting imagery while filming student demonstrations at Kent State University.
Who stars in Allison?
The film features Allison Krause, whose life and memory the documentary honors, along with narration by her father, Arthur Krause.
Is Allison (1970) worth watching?
Though brief, Allison (1970) is a powerful and moving tribute that offers a rare, human perspective on a pivotal moment in American history. Its emotional impact and historical significance make it a short film worth seeking out for those interested in documentary filmmaking or 20th-century social movements.
How long is Allison?
Allison (1970) has a runtime of 7 minutes.
About Allison (1970) — A 7-Minute Memorial to a Life Lost at Kent State
A haunting 7-minute portrait of Allison Krause, the Kent State University student killed by Ohio National Guard gunfire on May 4, 1970, Allison (1970) is a quiet yet devastating memorial woven from archival footage. Shot during anti-war protests by director Richard Myers and his students, the film captures Allison's presence in grainy, unassuming images that feel weightier in hindsight. The soundtrack, delivered through the heartbreaking recollections of her father Arthur Krause, transforms this short film into a deeply personal elegy—one that lingers long after the final frame. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in 2014, it stands as a fragile but vital document of grief, injustice, and the fragile line between activism and tragedy.
Richard Myers crafts this film as more than a historical record; it's an intimate act of remembrance that refuses to let Allison's voice be silenced. Despite its brevity, Allison (1970) carries emotional power that belies its minimal runtime, using stark visuals and raw audio to evoke the human cost of political violence. The film's power lies not in spectacle, but in presence—Allison's fleeting appearances become haunting echoes of a life cut short.