Cabin in the Sky
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Movie Reviews of Cabin in the Sky
Movie Review: Old Time Religion
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a sweet and funny tale about the dangers of sin and the way of redemption.Movie Review: Good triumphs evil
Summary: 4 Stars
Like "Stormy Weather", an all-black film also from 1943, "Cabin in the Sky" is a period piece and must be understood in the context of its time. While the film could not be made today it is a timely reminder of the stereotypes black actors were forced to confront, yet "Cabin in the Sky" offers some tender performances, especially between the ever-wise Petunia (Ethel Waters) and the well-meaning but hapless Little Joe (Eddie "Rochester" Anderson). There is a warmth to their relationship and Waters renders some lovely songs, especially the famous "Taking a Chance on Love".
"Cabin in the Sky", Vincente Minnelli's debut as a film director, presents a contest between good and evil and the persuasions and choices we sometimes face. In this regard it has "Wizard of Oz" overtones, right down to the cyclone in each movie....they must have been the same! A hidden bonus is actor Kenneth Spencer, a noted bass/baritone of his day, who plays the part of the soulful reverend....his mellifluous speaking voice fine tunes each line he utters. Viewed in the historical sense, "Cabin in the Sky" is a fine film.
Movie Review: Excellent package of a piece of history
Summary: 4 Stars
The merits and weaknesses of this film are documented thoroughly - the merits include the legendary performers, a couple of superb Harold Arlen songs, stylish direction from Vincente Minnelli and great black and white photography; the weaknesses include a plot of painful piety and a rich display of black stereotypes; but this is the 21st Century and the preservation of this film is important, weaknesses included.
The DVD contains a good print and a very good commentary, split between 2 academics, Eddie Anderson's daughter, Fayard Nicholas of the famed Nicholas Brothers and Lena Horne herself. The best commentator explores all the subtexts of the film in the context of the history of the black American. Only Drew Casper grates with his usual breathless repetitive delivery.
The DVD also contains a lengthy audio outake of Louis Armstrong which is great listening, an MGM short which contains Horne's version of "Ain't it the Truth" sung in a bubble bath (far too sexy for public consumption at that time) and the original theatrical trailer.
Movie Review: Cabin In The Sky
Summary: 4 Stars
So, what do you do when the cable goes out on a stormy night? Pop in the DVD of one of those old movies that has been sitting on your shelf for months, collecting dust and just waiting to be watched. A wonderfully done tale of a man's struggle to get on and stay on the straight and narrow while being tempted into the ways of the wicked and evil. Ethel Waters and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson are perfectly suited as Petunia and Little Joe, Rex Ingram is great (as always) in the role of Lucifer, Jr. Lena Horne is stunningly beautiful but underused in her role as the temptress Georgia Brown.
An all Black cast, interesting dialogue, great performances - a really good film for its time.
Movie Review: Miss. Waters To you
Summary: 4 Stars
Ethel Waters may not have been a nice person till she was washed up and found god or vice versa but she was a hell of a good actress and her singing and enuctuation are a forerunner to the Billie Holidaay school of singing.
The movie is typical black fare his is not a great movie unless you have absolutely nothing to compare it to. But it is better than the colored movies that were made in the late 30's and early 40's but even with a budget of 1 million it still has a look of old broadway. See the sets cheeeesy! All in all I like this way better than Stormy Weather but its more for hearing waters sing...