The Courage to Love (2000) (TV)

Director:

Kari Skogland

Writers (WGA):

Heather Hale (written by) and
Toni Ann Johnson (written by)

Release Date:

24 January 2000 (USA)

Genre:

Drama | History | Romance

Tagline:

In a world of tradition, they dared to break the rules.

Plot:

In 19th century New Orleans creole Henriette must choose between love and devotion to the church. Neither choice is going to be easy, as there is great opposition to her ideas of breaking traditions.

Plot Keywords:

Love | Nun | Hypocrisy | Sisters Of The Holy Family | New Orleans Louisiana

Cast

Vanessa Williams	...	Mother Henriette Delille
Gil Bellows	...	Dr. Gerard Gaultier
Karen Williams	...	Julie Gadin
Lisa Bronwyn Moore	...	Marie Alicot
David La Haye	...	Father Rousselon
Cynda Williams	...	Cecelia Delille
Diahann Carroll	...	Pouponne
Stacy Keach	...	Jean Baptiste
Eddie Bo Smith Jr.	...	Jacques
Graeme Somerville	...	Paul Cartier
Kevin Jubinville	...	Frank Morgan
Susannah Hoffmann	...	Anne Morgan
Jean-Louis Roux	...	Bishop Blanc
Lise Roy	...	Mother Superior
Raven Dauda	...	Betsie

Also Known As:

Quadroon Ball (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated PG-13 for some mature thematic elements.

Runtime:

95 min

Country:

Canada | USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Iceland:LH

Filming Locations:

Québec, Canada

Company:

Motion International

Good job, inspiring fact-based story

Henriette, the mixed-race daughter of Jean Baptiste and Pouponne, teaches in a parish school in New Orleans. Some of her students are children of slaves, and it is not clear whether the masters have given permission.

When Dr. Gerard Gaultier comes to take care of the poor of New Orleans, it's not hard to see what will happen. Even though he is white, he seems to like Henriette right from the start, though the question is how far a romance between them can actually go.

Among the problems in Henriette's life: Her father abandoned her mother long ago and is getting married. Her mother is sick. Her sister Cecilia is pregnant by a white man who seems to want to marry her but can't in this environment. Henriette tries to fit into upper-class white society but is never really accepted.

Frank Morgan is a cruel slave owner who treats girls as young as 12 as mistresses, and dislikes having to share his church with blacks.

Henriette wants to become part of a convent, which most people believe is a ridiculous idea. She is chastized, along with others who work with her, for wearing what looks like a habit. But she is very determined to start a church of her own.

Vanessa Williams did a good job here. I wouldn't say spectacular, but she effectively showed the drive and devotion of Henriette. Stacy Keach and Diahann Carroll were very good as her parents, and Carroll had a real challenge as her character's health went downhill.

Eddie Bo Smith Jr. had the standout performance here as Jacques, one of Frank's slaves, a nice man who eventually becomes bitter, wondering if things will ever get any better.

I personally found this movie kind of boring at first, too much of a 'chick flick', but the inspirational story makes it work.