A Raisin in the Sun (1989) (TV)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Bill Duke

Writer:

Lorraine Hansberry (play)

Release Date:

1 February 1989 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Plot Keywords:

Family Relationships | 1950s | Prejudice | Chicago Illinois | Integration

Awards:

Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys.

Cast

Starletta DuPois	...	Ruth Younger
Lou Ferguson	...	Joseph Asagai
John Fiedler	...	Karl Lindner
Danny Glover	...	Walter Lee Younger
Stephen Henderson	...	Bobo
Kimble Joyner	...	Travis Younger
Helen Martin	...	Mrs. Johnson
Joseph C. Phillips	...	George Murchison
Esther Rolle	...	Lena 'Mama' Younger
Kim Yancey	...	Beneatha 'Bennie' Younger

Runtime:

USA:171 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Sound Mix:

Mono

Trivia:

'John Fiedler' repeats his role of Mark Lindner he played in the 1961 film version.

Movie Connections:

Version of A Raisin in the Sun (2008) (TV)

Masterpiece

Here's my immediate reaction from a 1989 diary entry:

I just had a memorable experience: I saw the play "A Raisin In The Sun" by Lorraine Hansberry. It played for three hours, but I didn't want it to stop. It is one of those artistic miracles, like Joplin's "Treemonisha", perfection itself, total and utter flawlessness. It was about the biggest subjects in life: hope and despair, dignity and indignity. I was tearful throughout the play, in awe at its perfection. I have never felt so alive. I must find out who Lorraine Hansberry is. The play was compared to "Death Of A Salesman", but to me there is no comparison. This is a one of a kind play. On the surface, the play is about black people struggling with their own and society's limitations, but actually, it is about the human condition in general.