Mahogany (1975)

Tracy, an aspiring designer from the slums of Chicago puts herself through fashion school in the hopes of becoming one of the world's top designers. Her ambition leads her to Rome spurring ... See full summary »

Directors:

Berry Gordy, Tony Richardson (uncredited)

Writers:

John Byrum (screenplay), Toni Amber (story)

Stars:

Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Perkins

Nominated for 1 Oscar.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Diana Ross	...	Tracy Chambers
Billy Dee Williams	...	Brian Walker
Anthony Perkins	...	Sean McAvoy
Jean-Pierre Aumont	...	Christian Rosetti
Beah Richards	...	Florence
Nina Foch	...	Miss Evans
Marisa Mell	...	Carlotta Gavina
Lenard Norris	...	Wil
Jerome Arnold	...	Campaign Worker
Pemon Rami	...	Campaign Worker
Obelo	...	Campaign Worker
Ira Rogers	...	Stalker
Kristine Cameron	...	Instructress
Ted Liss	...	Sweatshop Foreman
Bruce Vilanch	...	Dress Manufacturer

Storyline

Tracy, an aspiring designer from the slums of Chicago puts herself through fashion school in the hopes of becoming one of the world's top designers. Her ambition leads her to Rome spurring a choice between the man she loves or her newfound success.

---

Plot Keywords:

success | fashion | homosexual | female protagonist | boyfriend girlfriend relationship | 

---

Taglines:

Success is nothing without someone you love to share it with

---

Genres:

Drama | Romance

---

Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

March 1976 (UK)

Also Known As:

Mahagoni

Filming Locations:

41st Street & Ellis Avenue, Oakland, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Box Office

Gross USA:

$5,000,000, 17 December 1975

Company Credits

Production Co:

Motown Productions,Nikor Productions,Paramount Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

109 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Producer Berry Gordy fired original director Tony Richardson and then took over direction of the picture himself.

---

Goofs

The final shot of the film (an overview of the crowd gathered to hear Brian's speech) shows Tracy rushing up to Brian and madly embracing him, but moments earlier they had already walked up to each other in the middle of that crowd and kissed.

---

Quotes

Tracy: The men love me, the women love me, the children love me... You're just jealous Brian 'cause no one loves you.

---

Connections

Referenced in Super 8½ (1994)

---

Soundtracks

Aki No Irokusa
Written by Hachidai Nakamura

User Reviews

You know where it's going to

This slick but predictable tale of fashion-world fame resembles, by turns, a diluted version of Valley of the Dolls. Only in this valley, the only doll is black beauty Diana Ross, piloting the whole vanity vehicle like a Sherman tank. She plays Tracy Chambers, a gorgeous secretary from the mean streets of Chicago who finds fame and fortune (but alas--poignant sniffle--not happiness) as Europe's top model/designer, Mahogany ("Meeeee! Mahogany!"). As her lovely theme song flows from the soundtrack, Ms. Ross throws a tantrum in a fountain (which ends up on a Revlon billboard); does a wax-covered striptease; and wears a number of eye-popping, often hideous fashions that she designed herself, including a Sea Monkey costume and a sugar glider made out of pantyhose. But ultimately, what she really wants is love--as does every woman is this sort of film since the invention of the movie camera.

Limp though it may be, there is some enjoyment to be had for camp devotees. The photography and music are breathtaking. The cast looks great; the acting is okay, considering that everyone is forced to mouth silly, soapy dialogue about love and selfishness. There are a fair number of unintentional laughs, too, but by the end, you just won't care anymore. Really, Mahogany is about audience gratification. Basically, the film tells us that success is "Nothing But Heartaches" (to quote Diana--sorry, couldn't resist), so you may as well stay home and clean the oven. And if you believe that idiocy, I've got some prime Florida realty to sell you.