Title: Best of Foes: An Unlikely Friendship in the Heart of Division
Rising Stars: A Woman Transforms a Klansman into an Activist and Ally
In the tumultuous '70s, two neighbouring residents of Durham, North Carolina, lived worlds apart. One, Ann Atwater, was a single mother and relentless grassroots activist, battling brazen slumlords and negligent local officials. The other, C.P. Ellis, ran a modest gas station, emulating his hardworking millhand father, and fiercely defending the Klan as its Exalted Cyclops.
Initially, the idea of these adversaries exchanging as much as a polite word felt like a pipe dream. But in the gripping cinematic narrative Best of Foes, these entrenched foes find themselves compelled to communicate, as they strive to resolve a precarious crisis plaguing their deeply divided city.
Best of Foes marks the screenwriting and directorial debut of Robin Bissell, a seasoned producer known for box-office hits like Seabiscuit, Pleasantville, and The Hunger Games. His compelling screenplay is inspired by the real-life events recounted in Osha Gray Davidson's 1996 book, The Best of Enemies.
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Bissell stumbled upon the extraordinary tale in 2005 through a brief Time Magazine obituary about Ellis. Piqued by the enigma, he uncovered the vivid historical context in Davidson's book, later exploring the narrative further in Diane Bloom's award-winning documentary An Unlikely Friendship.
At its core, Best of Foes centers on two compelling characters with stark differences. Yet as Bissell explains, "Ann was a fierce activist who knew how to get things done. She needs to be known to the world. She was a catalyst for C.P.’s self-examination, just as Bill Riddick, the charrette organizer, was a catalyst for Ann’s."
Embracing the metamorphosis of a Klan leader, Bissell acknowledges: "Humanizing a member of the Klan wasn't something I took lightly, but the documentary convinced me. They [Ann and C.P.] made you laugh and think, and they had become close friends. When C.P. died, Ann delivered the eulogy at his funeral."
Curiously, their shared interests extended to their families, with shared resentment of their children being mocked for their relationships. But despite their initial enmity, C.P. became a pariah to most in his Klan circle once his heart overruled his hate, as Ann noted: "C.P. lost a lot in becoming my friend. When he turned, they turned on him."
The extraordinary bond between Ann and C.P. even survived the test of time, ultimately demonstrating a powerful message of change and reconciliation. While some white wives reveled in their husbands' Klan status, Mary Ellis, C.P.'s wife, was different – a devoted mother enduring the challenges of raising a child with severe disabilities. Remarkably, she remained accepting of Ann, even becoming friends with her.
This tale of transformation and reconciliation offers audiences an unforgettable journey of human resilience, perseverance, and redemption. Best of Foes reminds us that, beneath the surface, we share more similarities than differences, and that it’s possible to bridge even the deepest divides.
Best of Foes is currently streaming on Netflix and is available for rental on Amazon Prime Video.
- Robin Bissell, director of the film Best of Foes, delves into the world of entertainment and books, showcasing his debut in screenwriting.
- The moving tale of Best of Foes transcends genres, offering a blend of lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, movies-and-TV, and fashionable storytelling.
- Beyond the narrative of friendship and division, Best of Foes draws attention to the universal themes of books, spotlighting the transformative power of literature and its impact on our lives.
