Mahogany (1975)

Tracy, an aspiring designer from the slums of Chicago puts herself through fashion school in the hopes of becoming one of the world's top designers. Her ambition leads her to Rome spurring ... See full summary »

Director:

Berry Gordy

Writers:

Toni Amber (story), John Byrum (screenplay)

Stars:

Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Perkins

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Diana Ross	...	Tracy
Billy Dee Williams	...	Brian
Anthony Perkins	...	Sean
Jean-Pierre Aumont	...	Christian Rosetti
Beah Richards	...	Florence
Nina Foch	...	Miss Evans
Marisa Mell	...	Carlotta Gavina
Lenard Norris	...	Wil
Jerome Arnold	...	Campaign Worker
Pemon Rami	...	Campaign Worker
Obelo	...	Campaign Worker
Ira Rogers	...	Stalker
Kristine Cameron	...	Instructress
Ted Liss	...	Sweatshop Foreman
Bruce Vilanch	...	Dress Manufacturer

Storyline

Tracy, an aspiring designer from the slums of Chicago puts herself through fashion school in the hopes of becoming one of the world's top designers. Her ambition leads her to Rome spurring a choice between the man she loves or her newfound success.

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Plot Keywords:

fashion | love | success | ghetto | star | 

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Taglines:

Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with

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Genres:

Drama | Romance

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

25 March 1976 (Netherlands)

Also Known As:

Mahagoni

Filming Locations:

41st Street & Ellis Avenue, Oakland, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Motown Productions, Nikor Productions, Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer Berry Gordy fired original director Tony Richardson and then took over direction of the picture himself.

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Goofs

The final shot of the film (an overview of the crowd gathered to hear Brian's speech) shows Tracy rushing up to Brian and madly embracing him, but moments earlier they had already walked up to each other in the middle of that crowd and kissed.

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Quotes

Sean: [careening out of control in a sports car] Don't mess up the car!

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Connections

Referenced in Jennifer Lopez in Concert (2001)

User Reviews

Sui generis...but enjoyable.

"Mahogany" is one of those movies you don't necessarily want to go out of your way to see, but want to <have seen>. Fortunately, late night cable frequently provides one with the opportunity to catch up on the classics. The plot is straight out of 1937, with the slightly disturbing--to modern ears--message that one's own personal ambition should always take a back seat to love. Diana Ross is luminous, funny, charming and beautiful in a role that doesn't ask much of her but to pose - her delivery and timing are good, but the dialogue she's asked to utter sounds pretty campy today. Anthony Perkins as a creepy, dangerous character - wow, big stretch. Billy Dee Williams as the Honest Politician Who Loves Her - well, he's good, but you could have hired a Steiff teddy bear to play that role. Love those costumes. Have to wonder whether Tracy's designs were set up to be appallingly bad (and they are) so that the audience would object less to her decision to give up on the fashion world.

In my view, the best quote is not the oft-trotted out one about success, but: "You're only young once; you can be immature forever."

The overall "stand by your man" message is singularly abhorrent, but "Mahogany" is such fine kitsch that even the staunchest feminist will laugh, despite herself.