

2 votes
1980
46m
From Ernest J. Gaines, author of "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman," comes a deceptively simple, yet emotionally complex tale of a young boy's discovery of what it's like to be black in Louisiana during the 1940's. James, the boy in question, has a raging toothache that necessitates a trip to the dentist. His mother (played by Emmy-winner Olivia Cole), accompanies James to town on an eye-opening odyssey where the boy gains valuable insights into poverty, racism - and his own sense of pride. With an exciting musical score by Webster Lewis, this multi-award winning film explores a child's discovery that the world is a complicated place... where things are never truly black or white... only shades of gray.
Directed by Stan Lathan

Olivia Cole
Octavia
James Bond III
James
Margaret Avery
Rosemary
Cleavon Little
Monsieur BayonneChez Lister
TySusan French
Helena
Clinton Derricks-Carroll
Student
Hal Williams
PreacherRoberta Jean Williams
Young LadyHilda Haynes
WomanLynn Arden
NurseReuben Collins
Pimp
Beverly Johnson
John Lee's MotherKenneth Johnson
John Lee Williams
Macon McCalman
ErnestMelvina Smedley
WaitressJulie Vails
Girl on BusLes Williams
Man in Dentist Office
Henry Fonda
Self - Series Host (uncredited)Status
Released
Release date
January 1, 1980
Budget
—
Revenue
—
Language
English