In a desperate attempt to change her life, Loretta -- a troubled single mother from a tough Chicago neighborhood -- is sent to spend a summer at her family's ancestral home in rural Mississi... Read allIn a desperate attempt to change her life, Loretta -- a troubled single mother from a tough Chicago neighborhood -- is sent to spend a summer at her family's ancestral home in rural Mississippi.In a desperate attempt to change her life, Loretta -- a troubled single mother from a tough Chicago neighborhood -- is sent to spend a summer at her family's ancestral home in rural Mississippi.
- Awards
- 2 wins & 8 nominations
- Monica
- (as Anne Marie Johnson)
- Prim Woman
- (as Barbara Barnes Hopkins)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThis was Esther Rolle's final performance, before she died.
- GoofsMany people board the bus at the depot, but while traveling cross country the bus is clearly empty (apart from the driver).
- Quotes
Will Sinclair: I don't know how she's going to recognize me. She thinks somebody else is her own dead mother.
Earl Sinclair: Oh, yeah? Maybe somethin' come back if she more of ya.
Will Sinclair: Dad, how many times we got to talk about this? I'm not moving back to Mississippi.
Earl Sinclair: But your roots are here.
Will Sinclair: You taught me that my roots are here.
Will Sinclair: [pause, looks at the checkerboard] Whose move is it? You always do this. Why do you always start talking and then you...
Earl Sinclair: Your move.
[chuckles]
Earl Sinclair: Your move!
- SoundtracksDon't Talk 2 Strangers
Written by Prince
Performed by Chaka Khan
Published by Controversy Music (ASCAP)
Administered by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)
Licensed by NPG Records from Chaka Kahn's 1998 album "Come To My House"
I love how the story led up to Nathan. How the symbolism of the candelabra strengthened the family. This showed how Nathan -- the candelabrum -- indirectly and unsuspectingly filled the role that Nathan -- the man -- was not allowed to do. It was almost as though Jesse -- Nathan's son -- knew instinctively that this candelabrum would play an important role in his family for generations to come.
The actors did an excellent job -- particularly Alfre Woodard and Al Freeman, Jr. I love that everyone was a star -- yet no one was a star!
I highly resented that you couldn't find Down in the Delta in the movies anywhere. When it comes to black films, it seems the film industry would rather show negative black images and nonsensical movies for black audiences. I was very disappointed at the lack of availability of this very positive movie. I've only been to one movie since; and have no immediate desire to attend any others. Although I have 2 free passes in my mirror -- sent to me by one of the major theatres to pacify me when I complained about the lack of availability of this movie -- I don't want free tickets (that's why they're still in my mirror). I want freedom of choice -- of being able to see positive images of black people. Chances are you couldn't find "Down in the Delta" in the movies. I've purchased the DVD. I intend to purchase several more -- as well as the VHS -- to give to family members as gifts. I highly recommend this film!!
- How long is Down in the Delta?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $5,672,903
- Gross worldwide
- $5,672,903
- Runtime1 hour 52 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1