One of my all time favorites.

Good movie, but best of all time? Hardly . . .

It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.

The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

Thanks to TCM for showing this extraordinary and constantly surprising film, one this film-lover was completely unaware of. It has everything to delight: the incredible line-up of musical super-stars in the first place, and the subtle but strong acting performances from each member of such a glittering cast (whether in a major or supporting role, as if part of a repertory company) did so much to delineate the fine story values that had social impact and tugged at the heart. The shining glimpses of greatness never ceased to entertain and astonish all the senses (ear, mind, eye . . .) in this gem of a film that has rarely been equaled from this musician's perspective.

This is a rare movie in which black performers were given the recognition that Hollywood denied them. Alan Reisner directed a film about the fictionalized life of one American original, W.C. Handy, a composer whose legacy in our popular culture was never acknowledged. It would take years before black actors would be seen in mainstream films.Will Handy was a multi talented man whose humble origins we see as the film opens. His father, Rev. Charles Handy, is a preacher in a black church in Memphis. It's clear from the start the boy is destined for greatness, but his father clashes with him when he finds a job working at the local club that is frequented by characters, that in the Reverend's estimation, are loafers and sinners.With the help of a singer, Gogo Germaine, Handy's music becomes popular. His long time girlfriend, the sweet Elizabeth, sees in Gogo a rival who will take him away. It is through the love of his mother and when Elizabeth realizes the talent of Will Handy, that everything seems to come together.Nat "King" Cole plays the title role. Mr. Cole was one of our best interpreters of the standard repertoire of his time. He had such a clear and elegant diction that no one came close to him in delivering a song. His acting is rustic, but that is expected from a singer turned actor. Eartha Kitt is one of the best things in the film. She is Gogo Germaine, full of passion and sex appeal. The sweet and young Ruby Dee appears as Elizabeth, the woman who loved Will Handy. Juano Hernandez, another talent who never got a big break in the movies, is Rev. Handy, the upright minister who wanted his son to follow him in the church. Pearl Bailey, Mahalia Jackson, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Billy Preston, and the rest of the cast are fine in their roles.Some of the great music of W.C. Handy is heard in the soundtrack of the film performed with great style and elegance.

I really enjoyed this movie. And it was really nice seeing my all-time favorite singer, Mahalia Jackson, use her acting skills. Also, Pearl Bailey was very funny in this film- the protective aunt, as I would call her. Eartha Kitt was great and very believable- she really played the part! Nat "King" Cole, to me, still seemed a little shy on camera, but I was told that he was a shy individual. Young Billy Preston did very well with his acting and he "tore up" that organ- as he is already known for doing. There just aren't any words that I can use to describe my feelings for this video, except for it's awesome, great, and fantastic!I give it an A+++

Black casted movies are a rarity in and of themselves, but one with such mega stars of old was so very uplifting! The movie was made by blacks for blacks and had a plot, story-line and theme that blacks can indeed relate to with pride dignity and a sense of self-esteem. The movie is one that you can watch over and over again and get something more out of it each and every time. It deals with human weaknesses and pitfalls such as are common to man; but finishes on a high note of strength and victory because of faith in and love for God and perseverance.