The killing floor / Public Forum Productions in association with American Playhouse presents an Elsa Rassbach production.

Frank Custer is a young black man from rural Mississippi who, in 1917, came north to make his fortune at the beginning of World War I. There, the only job he can get is at one of Chicago's meat-packing plants, working in the slaughtering area called the killing floor, where he is caught up in a war between the "packers" and those trying to form a labor union. Desiring to rise off "the floor" to a better position as a butcher, Frank joins the whites in their struggle, hoping to learn from them along the way. With the union becoming more organized and the government ordering raises for the workers, Frank sends for his wife and family to share his success. But the reluctance of many blacks to join the union causes unrest--resulting in the vicious race riots of 1919. Soon, the blood of the killing floor runs onto the streets of Chicago's South Side.

Rated PG.

Damien Leake, Alfre Woodard, Clarence Felder, Moses Gunn, Dennis Farina.