Mama Flora's Family (TV 1998)

Director:

Peter Werner

Writers:

Alex Haley (book), Carol Schreder,

Stars:

Cicely Tyson, Erika Alexander, Blair Underwood

3 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 Johnson	...	Diana (Teenager) (as Sicily)
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
Lou Myers	...	Albie
Elijah Kelley	...	Young Willie

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

religion | false accusation | generation gap | parenthood | black american | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

8 November 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Flora et les siens

Filming Locations:

Atlanta, Georgia, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avnet/Kerner Company, The, Hallmark Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min 60 min (2 episodes)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Goofs

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.

User Reviews

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.