A Raisin in the Sun (1961)

Directed by Daniel Petrie. Starring Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands, Ivan Dixon, John Fiedler, Louis Gossett Jr., Stephen Perry, Joel Fluellen, Roy Glenn.

Adaptation of Lorraine Hansberry’s award-winning play about the dreams and struggles of a lower class black family is somewhat dated today in its specifics, but the trenchant themes and agonies remain sadly relevant. Intelligent and perceptive, though its relentless staginess and soap operatic melodrama lacks cinematic impression—the rather uninspired directorial approach leaves no doubt that this is a photographed stage play. Primarily well-acted by its talented ensemble, but since most of the cast came from the Broadway production, it’s not surprising when histrionics occasionally set in—”man of the house” Poitier is responsible for most of the showiest displays, be they stirring or overblown, while Dee (as his character’s wife) retains her dignity-in-suffering strength. The film may fall short of greatness, but it has plenty of resolve (especially in the more incident-heavy second half) and enough impassioned moments to warrant attention and appreciation.

76/100