Mama Flora's Family (1998) (TV)

Director:

Peter Werner

Writers:

Alex Haley (book)
Carol Schreder (writer) ...

Release Date:

8 November 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

African American | Matriarch | Parenthood | Two Part TV Movie | Generation Gap

Awards:

3 wins & 7 nominations

Cast

Cicely Tyson	...	Mama Flora
Erika Alexander	...	Young Flora
Blair Underwood	...	Willie
Queen Latifah	...	Diana
Mario Van Peebles	...	Luke
Hill Harper	...	Don
Wynton Yates	...	Don (Teenager)
Sicily	...	Diana (Teenager)
Patty Mack	...	Pearl (1913-1919)
Michelle Benjamin Cooper	...	Pearl (1932-1942) (as Michelle Benjamin-Cooper)
Novella Nelson	...	Pearl (1955-1970)
Wesley Yates	...	Booker Palmer (Age 8)
Preston Brant	...	Booker Palmer (Young Man)
Lou Myers	...	Albie
Elijah Kelley	...	Young Willie

Runtime:

60 min (2 episodes)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company:

Avnet/Kerner Company, The

Goofs:

Revealing mistakes: When blood covered young Flora goes to pick up her crying baby after his father has been shot, the baby has blood on the bottom of his diaper (and on his body) that was obviously there BEFORE Flora picked him up.

Too much of a saga without any of the depth of "Queen"

This mini series, also based on a book by Alex Haley as was `Queen', tried to use similar formulas, that is, constructing a long history following the lives of a family over many years. Whereas in `Queen' the result was masterful, here in Mama Flora the inspiration was lacking. Firstly perhaps in the book itself, and most certainly in this TV production. Too much is put in with too much haste over the years, such that the unfolding saga is shallow, superficial, not nearly so authentic as in `Queen'. Full marks for the scenification in the earlier parts of the film, which was prepared with great care, but as the film progressed it seemed to degenerate into a kind of dallasian-forsythian unpalatable mix in the last third of its three hours or so duration. I had hoped for more; but evidently Haley was less inspired with this tale than his near-biographical `Queen', and Peter Werner III is no match for John Erman. Only recommendable for those who have an appetite for these lengthy tales of generations growing up.