Black Girl (1972)

An aspiring dancer and her wicked sisters resent their mother's love for a foster daughter.

Director:

Ossie Davis

Writers:

J.E. Franklin (play), J.E. Franklin (screenplay)

Stars:

Brock Peters, Claudia McNeil, Leslie Uggams

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Brock Peters	...	Earl
Claudia McNeil	...	Mu' Dear
Leslie Uggams	...	Netta
Louise Stubbs	...	Mama Rose
Peggy Pettit	...	Billie Jean
Gloria Edwards	...	Norma
Rhetta Greene	...	Ruth Ann (as Loretta Greene)
Ruby Dee	...	Netta's mother
Kent Martin	...	Herbert
Gertrude Jeannette	...	Sister Jenkins
Carl Byrd
Damu King
Erik Kilpatrick
Morris Buchanan
Bob Harris	...	Ernie

Storyline

An aspiring dancer and her wicked sisters resent their mother's love for a foster daughter.

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Plot Keywords:

black woman | dancer | black girl | female lead | black hair | 

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Taglines:

She's a black girl ...your girl

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Genres:

Drama

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Did You Know?

Goofs

When Mama Rose takes her "change" from the collection plate, she drops bills on the floor. Even though her daughter, possibly just by human instinct, points to them, she does not pick them up.

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Quotes

Mama Rose: [Netta is at the top of the church stairs with a big bouquet of flowers behind her. Rose turns around and sees her and walks towards the stairs to her and gives her a hug] Something told me to look up here.
Netta: You better hurry up and get your mother's day surprise.
[Rose hurries her into the upstairs room]
Netta: A lot of jealous eyes been looking at them.
[She presents her bouquet to Rose]
Mama Rose: OH, look what my sweet daughter went and gave me!
[she smells them]
Mama Rose: You got them laced just right!
[she hugs Netta]
Mama Rose: Thank you...
[...]

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Connections

Referenced in Ebert Presents: At the Movies: Episode #2.21 (2011)

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Soundtracks

Sister
Written by Ed Bogas (uncredited) and Jesse Osborne (uncredited)
Sung by Walter Hawkins

User Reviews

70's Movie with interesting Family Dynamics

The story has several stories intertwined. It takes place in the 70's as evident by the Afro hairstyles. It's the story of a matriarchal family, which includes Mu'Dear, her daughter and three granddaughters plus an adopted educated daughter. The sisters take ignorance to another level in that they see education and wanting to better oneself as selling out, as in a negative behavior. One sister does not have the same father, but does have a better disposition and career aspirations. The half sister, Billie Jean has aspirations of being a dancer, but her lazy no count sisters don't want her become anything more higher than them. It is truly the epitome of the crabs in the basket syndrome. Mu'Dear and her live in lover provide some much needed wisdom and stability in the family. The sisters envy an adopted sister because she made something of herself. The mother favors this daughter and it creates resentment amongst the sisters. The mother behavior is based upon fear and ignorance. Mrs. Ruby Dee has a special guest role as a woman with mental problems and the mother of the adopted daughter. I was interested in the actors and was very sad that pictures and more biographical information was not available on some of the characters. Brock Peters has an interesting role as the father of two of the sisters. He unsuccessfully tries to reunite with his family. It is a good movie to see as it shows how we have evolved in subject matter, movie directing and production.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 1972 (USA)

Filming Locations:

San Juan Ave between 6th Ave and 7th Ave, Venice, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$414,862

Company Credits

Production Co:

Marconlee

Technical Specs

Runtime:

97 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color