Synopsis
In February, 1962, as the civil rights movement reaches Bayonne, Louisiana, a New York journalist arrives to interview Jane Pittman, who has just turned 110. She tells him her story dating back to her earliest memories before slavery ended. In between the chapters of her life, the present-day struggles of Blacks in Bayonne, urged on by Jimmy, are dramatized.
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Cast
- Cicely TysonJane Pittman
- Eric BrownJimmy (age 7)
- Richard DysartMaster Bryant
- Joel FluellenUnc Isom
- Will HareElbert Cluveau
- Katherine HelmondLady at House
- David HooksColonel Dye
- Elinora B. JohnsonMary
- Warren KennerJob
- Dudley KnightTrooper Brown
Recommendations
- 100
TV Guide Magazine
This landmark TV-movie brings history to vivid life, never sacrificing moving personal drama to score sociological or political points. - 90
Los Angeles Times
The history of slavery was vividly relived through the memories of a fictional 110-year-old woman beautifully played by Cicely Tyson in a story adapted for TV by Tracy Keenan Wynn and directed by John Korty. The climactic scene, when Miss Jane defiantly drank from a "whites-only" water fountain, was one of TV's most memorable moments in one of TV's most memorable movies. [23 Apr 1989, p.25] - 90
The New York Times
Miss Jane Pittman fulfilled my deepest expectations. I did not look for a miracle nor did I view it with malice. That the show will spawn another film depicting other blacks in other experiences is unquestioned. That it was a triumph of and for the enduring strength of black people is also beyond doubt. - 88
Orlando Sentinel
Tyson rose to the challenges of this demanding role with perceptive, luminous work. It remains the peak of her long, distinguished career. [22 Feb 2009, p.10] - 80
New York Magazine (Vulture)
Pittman's director, producer, and star have their hearts in movies, but they've made a TV film to be long remembered. [28 Jan 1974, p.58] - 80
Time Out
While the cinematography has dated rather badly, the story and the performances of both Tyson and her supporting cast are more than powerful enough to make it worthwhile viewing. [04 Sep 2008, p.72] - 70
The New Yorker
Tyson's performance and Korty's tact are more than enough to compensate for the flaws. - 50
Chicago Reader
Well-intentioned tripe, directed with made-for-TV solemnity by John Korty.
