WITH ALL DELIBERATE SPEED

[ 1/2] (One and one-half stars)

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PETER Gilbert’s documentary about the historic 1954 Supreme Court ruling ending legal school segregation is certainly timely as we approach the 50th anniversary of the decision.

Gilbert, producer of “Hoop Dreams,” aims to pay tribute to the African-Americans behind the Brown vs. Board of Education verdict. He also argues that some contemporary public schools are as bad off as they would be if there had never been such a decision.

It’s a great concept – but it’s done in by an unfocused and uninspired presentation. Talking heads can get awfully tiresome.

“With All Deliberate Speed” is something high schoolers might yawn through in history class, but they have no choice. You do.

Running time: 98 minutes. Not rated (nothing objectionable). At the Cinema Village, 12th Street, west of Fifth Avenue.