---
title: "Ghosts of Mississippi"
year: 1996
canonical_url: "https://www.archytele.com/show/ghosts-of-mississippi-1996"
media_type: "movie"
tmdb_id: 31908
imdb_id: "tt0116410"
status: "Released"
runtime_minutes: 130
community_rating: 6.6
vote_count: 169
content_rating: "PG-13"
---

# Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) — Television & Cinema Intelligence Dossier

> **Archytele Living Vault Canonical Record**: https://www.archytele.com/show/ghosts-of-mississippi-1996

## Executive Summary & Cultural Positioning

Ghosts of Mississippi is a 1996 biographical courtroom drama directed by Rob Reiner. The film chronicles the legal struggle to prosecute Byron De La Beckwith for the 1963 assassination of civil rights activist Medgar Evers, focusing on the efforts of a Mississippi district attorney and the widow of the victim to secure a conviction thirty years after the crime occurred.

The film holds cultural significance for its dramatization of a pivotal moment in the American civil rights movement and the long-delayed pursuit of legal accountability. It maintains a somber, procedural tone throughout its two-hour and ten-minute runtime, emphasizing the persistence required to address historical injustices within the American judicial system.

## The Hook & The Verdict

**The Hook**: "A determined district attorney and a widow seek justice for a civil rights leader decades later."

### Why Watch
- Features a compelling biographical narrative based on the 1994 trial of Byron De La Beckwith.
- Showcases the collaborative effort between a prosecutor and the widow of Medgar Evers.
- Provides a dramatic examination of a significant historical cold case from the civil rights era.

### Caveats & Content Note
- The film covers a heavy, emotionally taxing historical subject that may be difficult for some viewers.
- Tone & Suitability: The film maintains a serious, dramatic tone with a measured pace suitable for adult audiences interested in American history.

**Micro-Themes & Vibe Matrix**: #biographical-drama, #courtroom-procedural, #civil-rights-history, #legal-thriller, #historical-justice, #southern-gothic-realism

## Streaming Availability Matrix

| Region | Stream (Subscription) | Free / Ads | Rent / Buy |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| **United States (US)** | Howdy Amazon Channel | Kanopy | Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies |
| **United Kingdom (GB)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Sky Store |
| **Canada (CA)** | None | Tubi TV | Apple TV Store, CosmoGo, YouTube |
| **Australia (AU)** | None | None | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, YouTube |

## Creative Credits

- **Directed by**: Rob Reiner
- **Networks / Studios**: Castle Rock Entertainment, Frederick Zollo Productions

## Key Cast Continuity

- **Alec Baldwin** as *Bobby DeLaughter*
- **Whoopi Goldberg** as *Myrlie Evers*
- **James Woods** as *Byron De La Beckwith*
- **Craig T. Nelson** as *Ed Peters*
- **Susanna Thompson** as *Peggy Lloyd*
- **Lucas Black** as *Burt DeLaughter*
- **Joseph Tello** as *Drew DeLaughter*
- **Alexa PenaVega** as *Claire DeLaughter*
- **William H. Macy** as *Charlie Crisco*
- **Lloyd 'Benny' Bennett** as *Benny Bennett*

## Canonical Frequently Asked Questions

### Q: Is Ghosts of Mississippi worth watching?
The film is worth watching for those interested in biographical dramas and the historical legal proceedings surrounding the murder of Medgar Evers.

### Q: Where can I stream this movie?
Streaming availability for Ghosts of Mississippi varies by region and platform; please check your local digital movie providers.

### Q: What is the runtime of the film?
The film has a total runtime of 2 hours and 10 minutes.

### Q: Is this a television series?
No, Ghosts of Mississippi is a feature-length biographical drama film released in 1996.

## Grounded Source Citations

- [Ghosts of Mississippi — The Movie Database (TMDB)](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/31908)
- [Ghosts of Mississippi - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghosts_of_Mississippi)
- [Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) - Full cast & crew - IMDb](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116410/fullcredits/)
- [Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) - Cast & Crew — The Movie ...](https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/31908-ghosts-of-mississippi/cast)
- [Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) - Rob Reiner | Synopsis, Movie Info, Moods, Themes and Related | AllMovie](https://www.allmovie.com/)
- [Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) | Kaleidescape Movie Store](https://www.kaleidescape.com/marine-movie-store/movie/ghosts-of-mississippi-1996)

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*Generated by Archytele Open Intelligence Systems. Data verified against TMDB and JustWatch APIs.*