Review of Lady Sings the Blues (1972) by James C — 14 Feb 2010
As a historical biography of Billie Holiday, it's actually quite flawed. But as a showcase of Diana Ross, made at the time when she became a solo artress after leaving the Supremes, she acquits herself well.
In fact, it is the performance of her career. Though she is called Billie Holiday and sings Billie Holiday songs, it is to the director Furie's credit and producer Gordy's, that she did everything her own way and really did not imitate Holiday at all.
For me, this makes up other flaws the narrative does have, such as white man Callahan getting her drugged up for no real reason or Billy Dee Williams being so flawless and perfect. However, his love scenes with Ross were believable and her harrowing drug withdrawal scenes inspire horror and pity at the same time.
Extra acting bonuses here are a very good and restrained Richard Pryor and a very funny Scatman Crothers as a John at the very beginning. There is a hanging scene to the tune of "Strange Fruit" that stayed with me for a long time.
This review of Lady Sings the Blues (1972) was written by James C on 14 Feb 2010.
Lady Sings the Blues has generally received very positive reviews.
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