Cabin in the Sky (1943)

A compulsive gambler dies during a shooting, but he'll receive a second chance to reform himself and to make up with his worried wife.

Directors:

Vincente Minnelli, Busby Berkeley (uncredited)

Writers:

Joseph Schrank (screen play), Lynn Root (based upon the book of the musical play by)

Stars:

Ethel Waters, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, Lena Horne

Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Ethel Waters	...	Petunia Jackson
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson	...	Little Joe Jackson
Lena Horne	...	Georgia Brown
Louis Armstrong	...	The Trumpeter
Rex Ingram	...	Lucius / Lucifer Jr.
Kenneth Spencer	...	The General / Rev. Green
John W. Bubbles	...	Domino Johnson (as 'Bubbles' [John W. Sublett])
Oscar Polk	...	The Deacon / Fleetfoot
Mantan Moreland	...	First Idea Man
Willie Best	...	Second Idea Man
Fletcher Rivers	...	Third Idea Man (as Moke [Fletcher Rivers])
Leon James	...	Fourth Idea Man (as Poke [Leon James])
Bill Bailey	...	Bill (as dancer Taking A Chance On Love)
Ford Washington Lee	...	Messenger Boy (as 'Buck' [Ford L. Washington])
Butterfly McQueen	...	Lily

Storyline

Chronic gambler and carouser "Little" Joe Jackson is shot by Domino Johnson at Jim Henry's gambling club over an outstanding gambling debt. Little Joe's wife, the God-fearing Petunia Jackson, prays not only for her husband's mortal life, but also his eternal soul as she's afraid that if he dies now, he, despite not being an evil man, won't make it into heaven. As Little Joe is close to death, he is visited by agents of both the Lord and of Lucifer. They make a deal with him: they will give him six months to atone for the errors of his human life. Once back on Earth, he won't remember the deal but both the Lord and Lucifer will be watching over him, trying to get him to see things their way. As both sides try to get Little Joe's soul, they figure that some of the most powerful tools they have at their disposal are the women in Little Joe's life: Petunia on behalf of the Lord, and Georgia Brown, a gold-digging floozy, on behalf of Lucifer. As hard as both the Lord and Lucifer try to get...

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Plot Keywords:

hell | shooting | prayer | church | singer | 

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Taglines:

At Last on the Screen! The Musical Comedy Sensation!

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Genres:

Fantasy | Musical

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Certificate:

Passed

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 April 1943 (USA)

Also Known As:

Cabin in the Sky

Filming Locations:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios - 10202 W. Washington Blvd., Culver City, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$662,141 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

98 min

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Color:

Black and White (Sepiatone)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The film was to be released in black and white. But Vincent Minelli had a thought that it may look better in sepia. They tested a section of the film in sepia and all agreed. So they processed it in the final sepia as we now enjoy it.

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Goofs

During the final fight scene, Little Joe kicks Domino Johnson across the room and into a table. Over the table you can see the cable that pulled the actor across the room.

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Quotes

Petunia Jackson: Look at you. Standing all covered with God's good dirt and all the devilishness sweatin' out you. My, but you a handsome sight.

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Connections

Referenced in An American Girl on the Home Front (2006)

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Soundtracks

Happy Birthday to You
(1893) (uncredited)
Written by Mildred J. Hill and Patty S. Hill
Sung by Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson and others

User Reviews

Was quite risky

My grandfather, Arthur Freed, (and Louis B Mayor) took great financial risks bringing the Broadway play to the big screen. At the time this movie was made, 'black' films were made by black producers, with black directors, and only appeared in black only cinemas. This was the very first movie of its kind to be made for white audiences.

My grandfather brought many talented people to Hollywood including Minnelli and Gene Kelly.

For me the greatest joy is seeing such wonderful performers.