Branch Documentary To Be Shown At All Campuses
February 2, 2023
Dr. Marc McClure
Walters State Community College will host four showings of “An Extraordinary Man:
Dr. Dennis Branch of Newport Tennessee.” The film was produced by the late Dr. Marc
McClure, a history professor at the college.
Branch, a Black physician in Cocke County, developed a legion of loyal patients and
national recognition for providing medical care in the small, rugged Appalachian county.
The film will be shown:
• Sevier County Campus, CAPE-130, Feb. 16, 2:20 p.m.
• Morristown Lyceum, Dr Wade McCamey Students Services Building, Feb. 16, 11:15 a.m.
• Niswonger Campus in Greeneville, Room 142, Feb. 23, 9:35 a.m.
• Claiborne County Campus Auditorium, Feb. 23, 2 p.m.
This showing is sponsored by the Morristown Diversity Task Force.
The film premiered in 2019. McClure had learned of Branch while researching his acclaimed
film about Kiffin Rockwell, a Cocke County native who fought with the French Foreign
Legion before the United States entered World War I.
McClure said he was touched by the love and loyalty the small town felt for the doctor.
McClure said that Branch took care of anyone in need and breaking racial barriers
was the natural outcome of how he lived his life.
Branch came to Newport to practice medicine despite being warned of the prejudices
held by many in East Tennessee. McClure said that Branch thought his services were
needed in the area. When he first arrived, he joined missionaries who were traveling
to see people living in the mountains. At that time, roads were few and most people
living in the mountains around Cocke and Sevier counties did not have running water
or electricity.
Branch became somewhat of a celebrity. He was featured on the cover of “Ebony” magazine
and was the subject of an episode of Ralph Edwards’ television show, “This is Your
Life” in 1958.
McClure felt that the use of the television footage was key to the film, but the licensing
rights limited the number of times the film could be shown. Following McClure’s sudden
death in 2021, his wife, Jessica McClure has worked with Ralph Edwards Productions
to permanently secure the rights. She was able to do this with financial assistance
from Bill Shults, Judge Dennis Inman and Garry Brooks.
“The footage from ‘This is Your Life’ is an important part of the film,” Jessica McClure
said. “The show shares details of Dr. Branch’s life and shows that he gained national
prominence.”
The footage segment is about 11 minutes of the 80-minute film. The showings are free
and everyone is welcome.
The film will also be shown on East Tennessee PBS at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 15.
In the photo: The late Dr. Marc McClure, history professor and acclaimed documentary
producer, in his office in 2020. On his computer is a photo of the late Dr. Dennis
Branch. Branch was the subject of a McClure documentary which will show on all Walters
State campuses as part of the college’s celebration of Black History Month.