A Lesson Before Dying (1999) (TV)

Director:

Joseph Sargent

Writers (WGA):

Ernest J. Gaines (novel)
Ann Peacock (teleplay)

Release Date:

22 May 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

In the 1940's South, an African-American is wrongly accused of the killing a a white store owner. In his defense...

Plot Keywords:

1940s | African American | Aunt | Teacher | Heavy Rain

Awards:

Won 2 Primetime Emmys. Another 9 wins & 18 nominations

Cast

Don Cheadle	...	Grant Wiggins
Cicely Tyson	...	Tante Lou
Mekhi Phifer	...	Jefferson
Irma P. Hall	...	Miss Emma
Brent Jennings	...	Reverend Ambrose
Lisa Arrindell Anderson	...	Vivian Baptiste
Dana Ivey	...	Edna Guidry
Frank Hoyt Taylor	...	Sheriff Guidry
Stuart Culpepper	...	Henri Pichot
Patty Mack	...	Inez
Von Coulter	...	Farrell Jarreau
Elijah Kelley	...	Clarence
Wynton Yates	...	Louis Washington
Jameelah Nuriddin	...	Irene
Cierra Meche	...	Estelle

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for a scene of violence, brief strong language and some sensuality.

Runtime:

105 min | Germany:97 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Singapore:PG | Finland:K-10 | Iceland:12 | Australia:M | Germany:16 | USA:PG-13

Filming Locations:

Louisiana, USA

Company:

Ellen M. Krass Productions

Goofs:

Anachronisms: Jefferson's execution date is right after Easter. Yet as the schoolchildren are going to the jail for a last visit with him, there are autumn leaves on the ground.

One of the Best TV Movies Ever

I read the book not that long ago, and had been trying for some time to locate this HBO version for some time. I finally recieved it as a Christmas present and watched it. It was fantastic! Screenwriter Ann peacock and director Joseph Sargent did a fantastic job bring Ernest Gaines' novel to the small screen. It's worth seeking out!