Editorial Review

From an early age, Josephine Baker knew what she wanted and did whatever it took to get it. Whether building her career or her family, Baker heeded no one's advice but her own, becoming one of the world's highest-paid performers, adopting 12 children into her "Rainbow Tribe," losing her fortune, then returning triumphantly to the stage just days before her death in 1975. Read more

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wonderful footage with trite commentary
With its commercials edited for home viewing, this video is the perfect length for a high school class screening.I wanted to present a unit on Josephine Baker in conjunction with Black History Month, and this was a good investment for my classroom. NO ONE LIKE HER!
Move over Tina Turner, Beth Midler, Patti LaBelle and Madonna! Before either one of you were born, there was Josephine. She set the standard and paved the way for performances that blew her audiences' aesthetic minds. She was the rage of Paris and Europe. Audiences bowed at her feet and gave praise to her name. Josephine was it! " Unforgettable "
I was a fan of Josephine Baker's and I had the liberty of seeing her walk down the Champs Elysees at the age of seven in 1956 or '57. And I must tell you that she was a sight. She had a certain magic about her that cannot beduplicated. Everything about her was just perfect. And ever since I sawthat beautiful sight it has been sketched and burned in my head eversince.So when I heard that Lifetime was doing a biography of JosephineBaker I was drawn to it imediately. And when I saw this documentary Iliterally broke down and cried. Although I never had the pleasure ofmeeting Madame just watching her walk down the street and enjoying the viewwas quite enough. She was just unforgettable. And there is no one today ortommorrow who can touch her ,or ever will. ... Read more

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Editorial Review

You know how it goes. You hear about what a sensation someone likeJosephine Baker was in her prime (in her case, the 1920s and '30s), how she pushed boundaries in such delicate areas as race and sex, how she boththrilled and scandalized Paris with her exotic dancing and personalbehavior. You have all these loose strands of legend and random fact, yourcuriosity is running high, and then you hear that a feature film is being made about the very subject. You watch, andthen wonder: what was the big deal about Josephine Baker? The problem withthis 1991 TV movie is the same as with a number of HBO films from the 1980s and early '90s: it isn't particularly well written, the production looks rushed, and the entire point is obscured in a whirl of biographicalmaterial that doesn't sufficiently develop into insightful, organic unity. WhatRead more

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Reviews (14)

A life worth remembering
Buoyed by a strong performance from Lynn Whitfield, this HBO film touches on the highlights of La Baker's career and life. Since I didn't know much about her life, most everything in the film was new to me. Even though it doesn't delve too deeply into any one area, we experience her childhood motivations, marriage tribulations, career successes and love of children. We also get some distinct impressions that she left the United States for France because the racism and oppression in the US were unbearable. Apparently being African-American qualified her to entertain folks, but not to enter by the same door or eat at the same tables as them. She married a Caucasian, "no `count Count" from Italy and adopted a "rainbow" of children from around the world. Throughout her life, she sought to break down racial barriers and fight racism in her own, not insignificant way. While she will be remembered as an exotic dancer, it is her struggle with racism on which this film justifiably focuses. HBO seems to have a knack for making above-average biopics that probably would not stand a chance in theaters. This stands alongside "Gia," "Norma Jean and Marilyn," and others as a well-made chronicle of a life well worth remembering.

Black is beautifull
African-americans have reason to be proud of the great entertainer, Josephine Baker, portrayed by the great actress, Lynn Whitfield. White Americans never foregave them: Josephine Baker who abandoned America and Lynn Whitfield who dared to show white Americans how and what they were and are.

Her struggle never ended
This movie is very well done, sumptuous, touching. It seems to follow the major facts of the riotous 50-year entertainer Miss Josephine Baker's life, as well as I know them. (I own the 2-disc CD "Josephine Baker" copyright 1991, songs recorded by her in Paris in the 1920s and 1930s, which has a wonderful and picture-filled booklet re the life & times of Ms. Baker.)
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

Editorial Review

They didn't call him "Mr. Entertainment" for nothing. Everyone of Gen-X age--or younger--should pop this baby in the VCR to see what made a star astar before postproduction technology could bail out the "talent." Filledwith clips that date to the 1930s, the producers were smart enough to let themspeak for themselves. There's Davis tap dancing away as a little boy,showcased in footage from a 1964 television special, and appearing on TV talkshows in another era, with his cigarette smoke swirling about him. There's no shortage of intriguing details--he helped break the color barrier in Las Vegas, had "Frank Sinatra envy" despite considering the fellow Rat Packer a close friend,postponed his wedding to his second wife until after JFK's inaugural (because she was white), and once tried to commit suicide bydriving off a cliff. Punctuating the human drama is a lot of sensationalfootage, including his last public performance, when, although weakened bychemotherapy, he still went toe-to-toe with Gregory Hines, another tap-dance great, and won. Read more

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Excellent
An excellent biopic of the greatest entertainer this world has ever seen... or is likely to. It looks not only at his considerable talents but also looks inside the man too and reveals some of his hidden demons. It even suggest what it was that drove him to be the best. If you're a fan, or even if you're not, this is a must see.

a true ground breaker
Sammy Davis Jr. opened the door for countless other African-american Entertainers. this video highlights his impact and his will to being one of the greatest entertainers ever.he is a true ground-breaker.

Truely an Un-touchable in the entertainment industry
Very well documented and informative.A great tribute to a one of a kind entertainer ... Read more

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Editorial Review

James Brown, the venerable "Godfather of Soul," has the mountainous highs and cavernous lows of his life examined in this lively installment from the A&E Read more

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Excellent Career Retrospective
Unlike so many biographical documentaries, this videocassette covers theartist's entire career to date. The typical presentation concentrates on"the hits". "James Brown - The Godfather Of Soul"provides insight into the development of his music in general, thanks inpart to comments from Stevie Wonder, B.B. King, and biographer BruceTucker. For the already initiated the very rare stills which permeate theproduction,plus the c. 1969 live clips of "Please, Please,Please" and "Say It Loud, I'm Black and I'm Proud" shouldmake it more than worthwhile. (Looka here - How about a future expandededition with long excerpts from the 1968 TV Specials? Just kidding...).

FANTASTIC FROM THE GODFATHERSUPERBAD
JAMES BROWN IS THE MAN.this is a Solid Video Tape.Great Footage&Interviews.You Hear The Grand History of The Hardest Working Man in Show Business.His Impact on Music Around The World is TImeless.It'sGreat Having This Video Reflecting on a Man Who Wasn't Afraid Too Say I'MBlack&I'M Proud.FOr Me He is Way Underrated.Because He is The Mozart OfHis Time.SO Many FOlks Have Rocked His Style it Ain't EvenFunny.&Sampled Him Too Death in Music&in Style.He is a True One ManShow&Still SUPER BAD! ... Read more

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Editorial Review

Although he passed away too early at age 47, Nat King Cole presents areal challenge to biographers limited to 50 minutes. He is portrayed here--and accurately so--as a heroic figure who was cursed with amazing talent and charisma. His life became a series of conflicts, each one followed by an even greater triumph. The initial conflict was between Cole the jazz pianist and Cole the pop crooner. He was destined for jazz immortality--even the great Art Tatum would watch him play--until the night (as legend has it) a drunken fan called out for a vocal number. "I sang the way I felt and that's just the way it came out," Cole would later explain. Jazz heavies outwardly resented his defection to pop stardom. Cole faced both violent racist whites, who felt threatened by his mass appeal, and hostile African Americans, who considered him a traitor--Thurgood Marshall, then of the NAACP, publicly called him an Uncle Tom, and stores pulled his records off the shelves in Harlem. His only response to such battles was reaching even greater commercial heights: huge hit records fronting full orchestras, his own television show (which he was forced to cancel due to sponsor backlash), major films, red-carpet European tours. Even his beloved cigarettes, which he claimed made his voice more velvety, would take his life at a young age. Read more

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Good video, but way too short
I liked watching this video. But Nat King Cole had an amazing life and as the reviewer said, his whole story just could not be told in 50 minutes. Itdoes cover the highlights of Cole's career, but doesn't really have thetime to elaborate on them. But it is a nice tribute to the latesinger/musician/composer. It features interviews with Maria Cole, Nat'swidow; daughter singer Natalie Cole; his friends, and business associates.One other thing, the date of this video is 1997, not 1987, as Amazon.comhas listed, so it is rather recent. A better video is the UNFORGETTABLEdocumentary from 1988, but if you don't want to spend a lot of money, thisvideo will suit just fine. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Documentary    2. Movie    3. TV Shows   

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Editorial Review

Few feature-length African films get released in the U.S., so it's rare indeed to get to see worthy short films from that vast continent. Read more

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For the questioning teen
This film consists of three African shorts by three female directors. They've chosen Queen Latifah to introduce each of the films. These are films that will intrigue your teenager and put to question for adults, how can we help our youth make better decisions? This film is an excellet film that can used in schools, community clubs, and church orgranizations to bring about discussion of topics that might seem racy but real! Life-like teen issues for all to sift through for understanding and clarity to see hhow some of their choices might play out. Gritty and real. Loved it. This movie gets 4 stars because some of the cinematography is weak but other than that -- super films.

matilda's world
I really enjoyed the DVD. It was excellent!. I now own the DVD, I had to buy it.
Glimpses of Africa
I really enjoyed this DVD, which I rented from my neighborhood video store.It's always interesting to see Africa depicted beyond the stereotypical huts and safaris, and compelling to watch Africans weave their own stories of challenges and triumphs on the modern day continent.Also included are three shorts, my favorite of which, "Bintou," is a simple tale of a clashing wife and husband in Burkina Faso. Check it out! ... Read more

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Editorial Review

World travelers and armchair adventurers alike will love the fresh taste of Paris available in Read more

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Quelle disappointment!
If you want to watch a pre-Oscar Halle stomp mannishly up one of the world's most famous boulevards oo-ing and ah-ing like an oafish American tourist and mangling every French term she is forced to utter by an incredibly banal script, then this is the travelogue for you. No super photography. Minimal history. I thought it might trigger fond memories of my visit to Paris and teach me a little something. No such luck. I think I'll donate this tape to my local library and declare it as a charitable donation on next year's taxes.

The Champs
I loved this video. It reminded me of the fun I had when I visited Paris, twice. The Champs, as the true Parisiennes call it, was one of my favorite places to shop, sightsee, and people watch. This video allows me torelive my visit to Paris and the Champs Elysees over and over again. It's a great video for anyone who plans to travel to Paris. ... Read more

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I LIKE THIS VHS
I love my VHS but if something happened to my VHS I would gladly buy it again.Please I wish it was on DVD.One day I can copy it to DVD disc.
TWO GREAT TALENTS!!
This is a great video and the comedy even 15 yrs after it's filming is still current and funny. An absolutely wonderful night of fun and song.
This is a grand night of music and comedy, Jerry is at his best, and Sammy is superb.You have to see Jerry's "cane routine" it is Jerry comedy at its best.Sammy's "Mr. Bo Jangles" will remain in yourheart forever.A mix of comedy and song that will stay with you for alifetime, the timing, and your feeling of being in on the act is as freshas their first time together.What a wonderful gift to leave the lovers ofthese two consumate performers.I wish everyone had this moment in comedyand song history, we are so lucky to have discovered such talent, and letit blossom through the years. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Movie    3. Performing Arts - Concerts   

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Reviews (2)

The Greatest Entertainers in American History!!!
I honestly don't know where to start. This video collection covers it all! Excluding only Bing Crosby, this collection contains the most influential and talented entertainers in American history, (Sinatra, Elvis, Ella & Sammy) and if that wasn't enough there also is Joey Bishop, Peter Lawford, Nancy Sinatra and many more. I WAS VERY PLEASANTLY SUPRISED! This 2 video set is From the 50's Sinatra Show
The first video is with Sammy Davis Jr, and Joey Bishop, but the real gem here is Elvis! Elvis' first television appearance after returning from the army. The second video "An afternoon with Sinatra" features EllaFitzgerald, Hermonie Gingold, Juliete Prowse, the Hi-Lo's, and PeterLawford. The high point in this is Ella singing "Just You,JustMe" and her duets with Sinatra. lots of music and fun Sinatra style! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Pop    2. Pop Vocals    3. Standards    4. Television    5. Traditional Pop    6. United States of America    7. Vocal    8. Vocal Jazz   

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Editorial Review

Seem a little early in the acting career ofHalle Berry for a videobiography? Give the beauty a chance--her mixed heritage gives her aninteresting perspective on race relations. The child of early divorce wastaught by her white mother to be proud of her black heritage because "that'show society sees you." When she was named junior-prom queen, the mostly whiteCleveland, Ohio, student body accused her of stuffing the ballet box; shedenied it and retained the crown on the toss of a coin. She starts winningbeauty pageants, models in Chicago, then begins her acting career, which hasincluded the title role in the Alex Haley miniseries Read more

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Editorial Review

He's the voice of CNN and Darth Vader, the booming baritone who lends credibility to numerous TV commercials, and the hearty laugh that rumbles from the memorable characters he's created in films fromRead more

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A Must!
James Earl Jones is a Very Creative Man.His Voice Alone is Like No Other.IHave Seen Countless Films With Him in them.He is a All AroundActor.Tv,Stage,&Film.This Video Does a Fantastic Job at Showing THeHighs&Lows in his Life& on&off stage.He is a Very UnderratedActor to me.He has done alot of Good Solid Performances.This Video is aMust. ... Read more

Editorial Review

All hail the queen! Not long after graduating from high school, Queen Latifah shot to stardom with a new attitude toward rap and the strength, presence, and charisma to assure her starring roles in film and on TV.How did she make it? This Read more

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