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Porgy and Bess (1959)

 -  Drama | Musical | Romance  -  24 June 1959 (USA)
7.2
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Ratings: 7.2/10 from 881 users  
Reviews: 55 user | 5 critic

In this legendary Gershwin opera set among the black residents of a fishing village in 1912 South Carolina, Bess - a woman with a disreputable history - tries to break free from her brutish... See full summary »

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(play), (libretto), 2 more credits »
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Title: Porgy and Bess (1959)

Porgy and Bess (1959) on IMDb 7.2/10

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Won 1 Oscar. Another 5 wins & 8 nominations. See more awards »
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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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Maria
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Leslie Scott ...
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Ruth Attaway ...
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Detective
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Peter
Everdinne Wilson ...
Annie
Joel Fluellen ...
Earl Jackson ...
Moses LaMarr ...
Margaret Hairston ...
Lily
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Storyline

In this legendary Gershwin opera set among the black residents of a fishing village in 1912 South Carolina, Bess - a woman with a disreputable history - tries to break free from her brutish lover Crown after he becomes wanted for murder. The only person willing to overlook her past and offer her shelter is the crippled Porgy. Their relationship is threatened by the disapproval of the townspeople, the presence of her old drug supplier Sportin' Life - and the threatened return of Crown. Written by scgary66

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

Introducing a new era in motion pictures!

Genres:

Drama | Musical | Romance

Parents Guide:

 »
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Details

Country:

Language:

Release Date:

24 June 1959 (USA)  »

Also Known As:

Porgy und Bess  »

Box Office

Budget:

$7,000,000 (estimated)
 »

Company Credits

Show detailed on  »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

(70 mm prints)|

Color:

(Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.20 : 1
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Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the last film to be produced by Samuel Goldwyn. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Mary Tyler Moore: Bess, You Is My Daughter Now (1970) See more »

Soundtracks

"O Bess, O Where's My Bess"
Music by George Gershwin
Lyrics by Ira Gershwin
Sung by Sidney Poitier (dubbed by Robert McFerrin)
See more »

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User Reviews

 
I saw this movie when I was 6 years old. One of my lifetime favorites.
21 June 2005 | by (United States) – See all my reviews

This was/is an incredible movie, with incredible cast, music, singing, story, etc. It is a tragedy that some arrogant families (the Gerswhins or Premingers) can keep it from being available to generation after generation. I have wanted to see it again all of my life. I just found this site and read why it has not been available. Shame on these families for their pettiness. My wife is from Germany and she has never seen the movie. Neither have my step-children or my grandchildren. It is very sad that a movie of this depth and quality is not available for them to see. Where do these families get off making such a conceited, self-important, egotistical, condescending decision to prohibit generations from enjoying this film, these stars, these performances, this music! Release the video and let them world judge and enjoy!


24 of 25 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you?

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Film no longer exists? zlestatz
Remake it with Fantasia Barrino as Bess ironbutterfly
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