Black in Period Films

We met a much older (20 years old) Rose Angela played by Carmen Ejogo. She works for a wealthy white family. Everything is fine until the son starts bothering her. One night the mother walks in on him trying to rape Rose. He tells his mother that she offered him sex for money, she believes her son and Rose is fired. This happens at a bad time as everyone in the family is out of work except for "Uncle" Tony. Rose's grandfather is still there as the only loving family member. Her grandmother shows no love towards her, even going so far as to call her a darkie. Rose tries to find work but is constantly turned down because as one person puts it , "We haven't even got work for our own kind.". She finally finds temporary work as a substitute maid for an artist named Stanhope. Now something weird happens here. When her mother finds out the artist lives in the area that "The Arabs" live in, she doesn't want her to take the job. Appare...

I haven't gotten any comments yet but, I never even expected to get 50 views so I'm totally excited and happy about this!! Thanks to however you viewers are!!

On this day in history Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous moving speech, I Have A Dream!

Detailed SPOILERS  below... beware!! This mini-series is a part of The Catherine Cookson Anthology. I really enjoyed part one of this mini-series. Everything about the costumes and locale was perfectly period. I was never once reminded that I was watching a movie. It felt real. Every moment of it. While there are only 2 Black characters in this miniseries they are very important characters. They turn the McQueens family upside down. While the majority of the cast is not of the African Diaspora, there are major characters that are. So here we go! The movie starts in 1915. It is set in industrial Tyneside during World War I. From the very beginning the tone is set. The costumes and music match the period right on. We meet the McQueens. They receive a letter from Bridgett saying that she has married a sailor named Mr. Patterson. Little do they know Mr. Patterson is African. Her family isn't happy but she stands by her man. When her broth...

Twelve Years a Slave has officially wrapped!!! Here are some pictures I found on the interwebs!!! Do they look beautiful!? I'm rather excited about this film.

I really like how while the main character was a child, the adult characters were still utilized effectively. My favorite adult relationship was between Dr. Shannon and Aunt Polly. Their relationship reminded me of the type that would appear in a classic period drama. We actually meet Dr. Shannon before we meet Aunt Polly. From the way he acts, we can tell that he still has feelings for her. He even mentions the fact that he misses Aunt Polly's smile. This sets us up to know where they are in their relationship. Though others and their own words we learn about their relationship. Five years before the movie takes place, Dr. Shannon and Aunt Polly were a couple. Everything was fine. That is until Dr. Shannon went away to Atlanta. Once settled there he wanted Aunt Polly to come so they could get married. But she refuses she feels responsible for her families businesses. We're not talking about the orphanage. We're talking about me and you. We...

I enjoyed this film very much. The reason I wanted to watch Polly is that its a musical, and anyone that knows me know I love musicals! I can't remember ever watching a musical period film with a majority black cast. I don't have anything bad to say about the film. Everything was in order. Keshia Knight Pulliam  is adorable. The acting from the whole cast is spot on. The musical numbers are brilliant and the costumes are beautiful. As this is a Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad  production, I expected nothing less. Because everything is in such great order I'll be posting specific things I loved about Polly in place of one mega review post. I will however do a quick post of my overall thoughts. Polly is inspired by the novel Pollyanna, there is also a film based on the novel. But as I have neither watched nor read these productions I am judging Polly on its own merits as a film. Pulliam as Polly is amazing....

As I stated in the introductory post , Polly is a musical. A fact that is extremely exciting to me. I can't say I've ever watched a musical period film with a majority black cast. So this is a breath of fresh air.  The movie is set in the 1950's so the music has that feel.  Polly was choreographed by the legendary Debbie Allen, so obviously the dancing is amazing! Polly was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Choreography. Here is a list of the musical numbers: By Your Side- Polly Honey Ain't Got Nothin' On You- Polly, Nancy, & Girls Sweet Little Angel Eyes- Jimmy Bean, Polly, George, Nancy, & Children Something More- Aunt Polly Shine A Light- Mayor Warren, Dr. Shannon, & George Rainbow Maker- Polly, Nancy, & Aunt Polly Stand Up- Reverend Gillis, Dr. Shannon, & Congregation Finale- Company I really enjoyed the musical numbers and the dancing. I found myself wanting to dance while ...

I'm so excited!! How often do we get to see actors of color in such wonderful period period costumes?!

Nelsan Ellis will be playing Martin Luther King Jr. in Lee Daniels' film 'The Butler'! Nelsan Ellis is best known for playing Lafayette Reynolds in True Blood. There is a definite likeness, I approve of this casting. Great job Mr. Daniels!