Claudine (1974)

Claudine tries to provide for her six children in Harlem while on welfare. She has a romance with Roop, a cheerful garbageman she meets while working on the side as a maid.

Director:

John Berry

Writers:

Lester Pine, Tina Pine

Stars:

Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Diahann Carroll	...	Claudine
James Earl Jones	...	Roop
Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs	...	Charles (as Lawrence Hilton-Jacques)
Tamu Blackwell	...	Charlene (as Tamu)
David Kruger	...	Paul
Yvette Curtis	...	Patrice
Eric Jones	...	Francis
Socorro Stephens	...	Lurlene
Adam Wade	...	Owen
C. Harrison Avery	...	Minister (as Harrison Avery)
Mordecai Lawner	...	Process Server
Elisa Loti	...	Miss Kabak
Roxie Roker	...	Mrs. Winston
Jay Van Leer	...	Bar Woman
Judy Mills	...	Bus Woman #1

Storyline

Claudine tries to provide for her six children in Harlem while on welfare. She has a romance with Roop, a cheerful garbageman she meets while working on the side as a maid.

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Plot Keywords:

welfare | new york city | black american | african american | reflection | 

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Taglines:

A heart and soul comedy. Can you dig it?

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

6 August 1976 (Portugal)

Also Known As:

Claudine Corpo e Alma

Filming Locations:

Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Third World Cinema, Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Prior to her death Diana Sands insisted that her very good friend Diahann Carroll be cast in the role of Claudine.

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Goofs

When Claudine and her girlfriends are riding the bus at the beginning of the movie, the bus passes the New Marble Hill movie theatre twice.

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Connections

Featured in Century of Black Cinema (2003)

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Soundtracks

"Mr. Welfare Man"
Written by Curtis Mayfield
Performed by Gladys Knight & The Pips (as Gladys Knight and The Pips)

User Reviews

Soft hearted, honest dramedy bears the soul and plight of quite a few african americans of the era.

If this film is examined closely, it's a bit sad. It is detailed enough to touch upon very real problems children, who grow up in poor, dysfunctional environments. Yet, it retains it's comedic value, with spirited performances by Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones. The sadness lies in the struggles and dysfunction of the mother (Carroll), who cannot truly help her children, not because she doesn't want to, or try, but because, it's obvious she doesn't know how. Remember, this is a comedy, but if you've never seen this, or if you have, watch this film and see the humanity, in the characters. Good film.