Set in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement, "An American Girl Story - Melody 1963: Love Has to Win" examines the joyful life and troubled times of an irrepressible 10-year-old African-American girl whose vivid imagination and creativity reinforce her optimism. When shocking national events threaten her sense of security, Melody must find inner strength to restore her hope for a better world.
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Title: An American Girl Story: Melody 1963 - Love Has to Win (TV Movie 2016)
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6 wins & 3 nominations.
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Marsai Martin | ... | Melody Ellison | |
| Idara Victor | ... | Frances Ellison | |
| Frances Fisher | ... | Miss Abbot | |
| Frankie Faison | ... | Frank Ellison | |
| Garrett McQuaid | ... | Donald | |
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Dara Iruka | ... | Lorraine |
| Lola Wayne Villa | ... | Trish | |
| Matthew Foster | ... | Principal Davis | |
| Briana Lane | ... | Sales Clerk aka Val | |
| Chuck McCollum | ... | Store Manager | |
| Rocky McMurray | ... | Mr. Schuler | |
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Daija Bickham | ... | Neighborhood Girl #1 |
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Skyelar Wesley | ... | Neighborhood Girl #2 |
| Libby Ewing | ... | Mother in Store | |
| Joelle Better | ... | Daughter in Store | |
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Plot Summary
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Storyline
Set in Detroit during the Civil Rights Movement, "An American Girl Story - Melody 1963: Love Has to Win" examines the joyful life and troubled times of an irrepressible 10-year-old African-American girl whose vivid imagination and creativity reinforce her optimism. When shocking national events threaten her sense of security, Melody must find inner strength to restore her hope for a better world.
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(uncredited)
Written by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The first episode references the tragic church bombing that took the lives of four little girls in Birmingham, AL. Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who grew up in Birmingham was 8 years old at the time and was a personal childhood friend of the victims. See more »Connections
Followed by An American Girl Story: Maryellen 1955 - Extraordinary Christmas (2016) See more »Soundtracks
Lift Every Voice and Sing(uncredited)
Written by James Weldon Johnson and John Rosamond Johnson
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
21 October 2016 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
American Girl: Melody, 1963 - O Amor Tem que Vencer See more »Company Credits
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I grew up in the 60's, although younger than the age of Melody. I dressed like her even down to the eyeglasses. I grew up in Indianapolis. This was very realistic! The majority of my white teachers cared. I'm from a two parent home and had a mother who was so loving but she also stood up for us and taught me to stand up for myself. I never saw this or even knew about this show. I'm so pleased and impressed by this excellent production! I have spent much of my creative life telling people in community theater and the musical productions I've been involved in, the real black experience. Thank you for the excellent job done here!!!