“We got a real sweet project going — so let’s be straight.”
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Synopsis:
When a working single mother (Diahann Carroll) of six meets a charismatic garbage collector (James Earl Jones) and starts dating him, the couple immediately face issues related to welfare, parenting, and survival.
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Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:
- African-Americans
- Romantic Comedy
- Single Mothers
- Survival
Review:
Diahann Carroll — perhaps best known for starring in the T.V. show “Julia” (1968-1971) — won an Oscar nomination for her role as the title character in this romantic-comedy which showed audiences a more authentic, albeit still heavily Hollywoodized, vision of Black life in urban America in the 1970s. It’s impossible not to root for Carroll (a last minute replacement for her good friend Diana Sands) and Jones, whose romance is a sweet if chaotic balm in the midst of Carroll’s hectic life:
… centered on navigating a truly dehumanizing “welfare” system which forces Carroll to make terrible but necessary decisions about her home life.
The location shooting in Harlem is delightful, and surely adds to the nostalgia and appreciation many feel for this film.
Notable Performances, Qualities, and Moments:
- Diahann Carroll as Claudine
- James Earl Jones as Roop
- Excellent use of location shooting in Harlem
- A frank, darkly comedic look at the absurdities of the welfare system
- Curtis Mayfield’s score (performed by Gladys Knight and the Pips)
Must See?
Yes, for Carroll and Jones’ performances. Listed as a Sleeper in the back of Peary’s book.
Categories
- Noteworthy Performance(s)
- Oscar Winner or Nominee
Links:
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