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Cabin in the Sky (1943)

 -  Musical | Fantasy  -  9 April 1943 (USA)
7.1
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Ratings: 7.1/10 from 1,406 users  
Reviews: 44 user | 24 critic

A compulsive gambler dies during a shooting, but he'll receive a second chance to reform himself and to make up with his worried wife.

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Writers:

(screen play), (based upon the book of the musical play by), 1 more credit »
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Title: Cabin in the Sky (1943)

Cabin in the Sky (1943) on IMDb 7.1/10

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Test your knowledge of Cabin in the Sky.
Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 1 nomination. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
...
...
...
Georgia Brown
...
The Trumpeter
...
Lucius / Lucifer Jr.
Kenneth Spencer ...
The General / Rev. Green
John William Sublett ...
Domino Johnson (as 'Bubbles' [John W. Sublett])
Oscar Polk ...
The Deacon / Fleetfoot
Mantan Moreland ...
First Idea Man
Willie Best ...
Second Idea Man
Fletcher Rivers ...
Third Idea Man (as Moke [Fletcher Rivers])
Leon James Poke ...
Fourth Idea Man (as Poke [Leon James])
Bill Bailey ...
Bill
Ford Washington Lee ...
Messenger Boy (as 'Buck' [Ford L. Washington])
...
Lily
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Storyline

Chronic gambler and carouser "Little" Joe Jackson is shot by Domino Johnson at Jim Henry's gambling club over an outstanding gambling debt. Little Joe's wife, the God-fearing Petunia Jackson, prays not only for her husband's mortal life, but also his eternal soul as she's afraid that if he dies now, he, despite not being an evil man, won't make it into heaven. As Little Joe is close to death, he is visited by agents of both the Lord and of Lucifer. They make a deal with him: they will give him six months to atone for the errors of his human life. Once back on Earth, he won't remember the deal but both the Lord and Lucifer will be watching over him, trying to get him to see things their way. As both sides try to get Little Joe's soul, they figure that some of the most powerful tools they have at their disposal are the women in Little Joe's life: Petunia on behalf of the Lord, and Georgia Brown, a gold-digging floozy, on behalf of Lucifer. As hard as both the Lord and Lucifer try to get... Written by Huggo

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

At Last on the Screen! The Musical Comedy Sensation! See more »

Genres:

Musical | Fantasy

Certificate:

Approved | See all certifications »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

9 April 1943 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Un petit coin aux cieux  »

Box Office

Budget:

$662,141 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Production Co:

 »
Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(Western Electric Sound System)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1
See  »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Cabin In The Sky opened at the Martin Beck Theater on October 25, 1940 and ran for 156 performances. See more »

Goofs

During the nightclub fight between Domino Johnson and Little Joe, the gunshot he fires accidentally hits Petunia. She falls down on the steps of the staircase, where she drapes her right arm twice over the side. See more »

Quotes

Joseph 'Little Joe' Jackson: [when he discovers he's in trouble with the Devil] Oh, me! I'm about the most miserabelest person that ever died!
See more »

Connections

Referenced in Idlewild (2006) See more »

Soundtracks

"Going Up"
(1943)
Written by Duke Ellington
Performed by Duke Ellington and His Orchestra (uncredited) and dancers
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User Reviews

Outstanding Movie!!!
11 April 2004 | by (San Diego, California) – See all my reviews

I would like to take the time to express what an OUTSTANDING MOVIE "Cabin in The Sky" is. As an African-American Male, I must say this Movie is really ahead of it's time in the way it depicted that whole setting with the "Soldiers of the Lord's Army", & "The Devil" (Lucifer Jr.), & his "followers".

That whole theory as it pertains (Biblically), to Men & Women "grappling" with their conscience to do the "Right Thing", dealing with the "forces" of "good vs. evil", really comes to light here.

You actually see "Lucifer Jr." arguing with the "General" of God's Army about the "rules" & regulations on how to get "Little Joe" (Eddie "Rochester" Anderson), to commit sin & do the wrong things.

I've been raised in the African-American Baptist Church, and for me, it just seemed as if these characters came to life just like it was taught in Sunday School & Church!!!

I'm also amazed at the "ethnic insight" of the Director Vincente Minnelli. He picked the "RIGHT" Black Actors to portray the various characters that had the ability to get the point(s) across effectively.

Considering this Movie/Musical was being shown to an audience in 1943 America, (WHICH WAS STILL VERY RACIST), Director Minelli seemed to make the "connection" without any problem at all.

Of course, the cast was an All Star, All Black cast which was good for the Actors/Actresses because it gave them much needed work. I could relate to the part of "Petunia" played by Ethel Waters. She reminded me of a really nice Woman who currently attends my Church.

Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, Rex Ingram, Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, & a host of others, came together to make this Movie one of the "Great Ones" in my opinion. These Actors/Actresses are all gone now, but their talent will remain in the hearts & minds of many fans as well as movie history which I'm sure will be kind to them.

"Cabin in The Sky!!" A great Movie that I would highly recommend for the entire Family.


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Why aren't today's African American inspired comedies this good? CaperGuy
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