The Ditchdigger's Daughters (1997)

In many ways "The Ditchdigger's Daughters" adheres to the well worn path of a genre best described as the black struggle in an injust white America. But the real plot in this movie revolves... See full summary »

Director:

Johnny E. Jensen

Writers:

Yvonne S. Thornton (book), Jo Coudert (book),

Stars:

Carl Lumbly, Dulé Hill, Victoria Dillard

1 win & 4 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Carl Lumbly	...	Donald Thornton
Dulé Hill	...	Young Donald
Victoria Dillard	...	Tass
Shelley Robertson	...	Donna
Monique Coleman	...	Young Donna
Kimberly Elise	...	Jeanette
Rae'Ven Larrymore Kelly	...	Young Jeanette (as Raeven Kelly)
Rosalyn Coleman	...	Yvonne
Jameelah Nuriddin	...	Young Yvonne
Monica Calhoun	...	Linda
Malaika Jabali	...	Young Linda
Erika L. Heard	...	Rita
Kiara Tucker	...	Young Rita
Denice Sealy	...	Betty (as Denice J. Sealy)
Niaja Cotton	...	Young Betty

Storyline

In many ways "The Ditchdigger's Daughters" adheres to the well worn path of a genre best described as the black struggle in an injust white America. But the real plot in this movie revolves around the tyranny of a father and the effect it has on his six daughters as he cajoles, demands, blusters, and drives his daughters to reach for his notion of excellence. Demanding all "A" report cards, prohibiting dating, punishing with housework, and insisting that each daughter aim her sights on a career as a doctor all harken to the underlying fact of his own failure to complete school, and his own view of being poor and black.

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Plot Keywords:

father daughter relationship | funeral | race relations | patriarch | african american | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

23 February 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

Oi exi kores tou Thornton

Filming Locations:

Wilmington, North Carolina, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Four Papa Quebec, James Manos Jr. Productions, MTM Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

92 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

When the Thorntons go to the Apollo, the Apollo theater logo is reflected in a car window on the street, but it isn't reversed as it should be.

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Soundtracks

"Peace in the Valley"
Written by Thomas Dorsey
Performed by The Henry Davis Singers
Courtesy of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

User Reviews

Excellent film

The book is better, but this movie captures the struggles of an American family (who happens to be black). The strict, yet loving father figure is riveting and the accomplishments of his daughters are amazing. I wish they developed the characters of each girl a little more. The emphasis of intergenerational conflict hampers the message of persistence and survival in a world that is dismissive toward women. One can only imagine the uphill battles that were encountered in trying to raise and educate six girls in the 50s and 60s. The movie only glances over that. However, the last scene with the daughters carrying their father's casket to his final resting place is heart- rendering. Great flick!