In 1973, Diahann Carroll received a Best Actress nomination for her performance as the title character in Claudine, a love story set against the trying times of the 1970s social services system. The role of a single mother on welfare was a huge stretch for the 60s glamour girl, who was sometimes criticized for her perceived distance from the struggles of African Americans during the civil rights era. Diahann Carroll's gritty performance in Claudine proved that the singer/actress was ready for more than just a close-up.
Joining Diahann is James Earl Jones.His booming energy and presence as Roop, a garbage man trying to fight for love is riveting. Other stirring performances come from Claudine's eldest children played by teen hearthrob Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs and Tamu Blackwell.
Strong performances by Carroll, Jones and the cast of children is one reason to check out this classic film; another is the soulful soundtrack by Gladys Knight and the Pips.
6 comments:
This movie made me a fan of Miss Carrolls
The only thing I didn't like about this movie is how the kids talked back to Claudine. That would never happen in a black home in the 70s. Never!
Claudine is a classic movie:
Cocoa, I was very young when this movie came out (two or three years old). However, in the pre-cable era, this was a classic that came on local TV at least three times a year, along with Car Wash, Cooley High, Cornbread Earl and Me, Blacula, and all that other stuff.
I know for myself, I remember clearly being 11, 12 years old calling up folks after looking in the TV guide, (who needs the Preview Guide on TV!) telling them "Claudine is coming on!" And believe me, you made yourself available for that movie. No VCR's, no TIVO, no video on demand, none of that.
Just some good old fashioned fun.
AND, the parts where the social worker would come and they would hide their new stuff. That's some classic MUST SEE TV!
Aah, the good ole days. I'm so loving your site.
Thanks P. LOL @ you calling people up to watch Claudine. :)
I didn't see Claudine until maybe about 4 or 5 years ago. For a while, it wasn't even available on VHS or DVD. A few people actually had to start online petitions to try and get it released--and this was an Oscar nominated film.
That scene with the social worker is definitely classic. Another good one is the scene between Claudine and her daughter when she finds out her daughter's pregnant. WHOAH!
Good stuff!
I love this movie!!!!!! I can watch it over and over again. It's amazing how life repeats itself time and time again. The Human Resource Administration is still the same......You get little for nothing and for what????? But overall love can conquer all.
Very useful information, thanks so much for the post.
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