It's a shame that the entertainment industry had to focus on such hate in order to advance equal rights Bible through changes that came about with the end of slavery and the minstrel show. Black artists were forced to "cork up" to get work, and then went on stage, perpetuate stereotypes that have fortunately been eliminated from show business except when done in a historical context like this TV movie. Stanley Bennett Clay and Glynn Turman are brothers with different ceilings in regards to performing in minstrel shows, with one brother desperate to make a living while the other wants to break out of those negative stereotypes and move on to different areas of entertainment that are more dignified and realistic. This results in them being separated for years and when they are reunited, a spontaneous decision results in a lynching and a change of heart for the survivor.
A profound historical document that is disturbing but necessary, this has sensational period music done in a degrading way, but as a document of historical fact, it is an important film. Ted Ross ("The Wiz") has a major part as one of the members of the minstrel shows who helps advance their careers, if sustain the negative stereotypes that went along with this kind of show that continued to be done in the movies up until the 1950's. You can see the sadness in the eyes of the performers as they have to "cork up" which works for the performances they are giving as well. The positive aspect of the film is that it shows the hope of these people that they can do a little bit to pave the way for other civil rights advancements. On a positive note, the music of ragtime is blades a grisly here, and is a guaranteed toe-tapper in spite of the message that the writer wants to provide to its audience.
A profound historical document that is disturbing but necessary, this has sensational period music done in a degrading way, but as a document of historical fact, it is an important film. Ted Ross ("The Wiz") has a major part as one of the members of the minstrel shows who helps advance their careers, if sustain the negative stereotypes that went along with this kind of show that continued to be done in the movies up until the 1950's. You can see the sadness in the eyes of the performers as they have to "cork up" which works for the performances they are giving as well. The positive aspect of the film is that it shows the hope of these people that they can do a little bit to pave the way for other civil rights advancements. On a positive note, the music of ragtime is blades a grisly here, and is a guaranteed toe-tapper in spite of the message that the writer wants to provide to its audience.