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I watched this film immediately after watching THE JOSEPHINE BAKER STORY and was struck by the fact that Josephine Baker and Dorothy Dandridge apparently never met, yet they faced similar career challenges in the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, and their lives were remarkably similar. Both were enormously talented but had trouble breaking the color barrier in the United States. The difference, at least in the movies, is that while Baker had her insecurities, she was able to present a strong, tough-as-nails facade. Baker dumped men, not the other way around, and had no trouble speaking up or walking away when people treated her badly because of her race. Dandridge is portrayed as more fragile and insecure. She feels angry when barred from hotels and restrooms, but seeks advice from men --- usually white men --- before taking action. She decides to accept or reject movie roles, then changes her mind when someone criticizes her decision. Like many women with low self-esteem, Dandridge is taken advantage of by men who claim to love her but are using her to further their own careers, while overlooking the one man who has been loyal all along (Brent Spiner, who proves there's more to his acting repertoire than Star Trek's Commander Data). All this does not make Dandridge any less of a role model. It makes her human and accessible, and all the more admirable for achieving success despite societal barriers and her own fears. Highly recommended.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Long before Barack Obama wasn't considered "Black" enough, Dorothy Dandridge suffered the same criticism. Black or not, she was beautiful and could sing like a meadowlark. Looking at old pictures of Dandridge, you could see why Halle Berry was chosen. She is Dandridge brought back to life. She may not have the pipes of Dandridge, but she sure can act, and has the Emmy and Golden Globe to prove it! Playing the First African American actress to get an Best Actress nomination (for Carmen Jones) was the First African American actress to win the Oscar for Best Actress (for Monster's Ball). Klaus Maria Brandauer (Out of Africa) was magnificent as Otto Preminger, one of the men who used Dandridge. This film is extremely important, not only for the fact that is chronicles the life of one of America's best, but also for the reminder that most of us never had to pee in a cup or watch a pool drained because we put our toe in it.Read full review
I first saw Dorothy Dandridge in Sun Valley Serenade, an early 1940's motion picture featuring the Glenn Miller Band. During the tune Chattanooga Choo Choo, an attractive young woman sang and danced a routine with the Nicholas Brothers and kept up with them impressively. I wondered who she was but couldn't tell from the credits. Later when watching The Great American Songbook, hosted by Michael Feinstein, that clip was shown and Feinstein identified her as Dorothy Dandridge. I was fascinated and figured the fastest way to find out about and see Dorothy Dandrige was to visit YouTube. There I saw Halle Berry's portrayal of Dorothy singing I've Got Rhythm from the motion picture Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and some other video clips of the real Dorothy Dandridge. I read some short biographies of her online and came to ebay to buy the DVD. What a great talent! I always think of famous, talented people as not having a care in the world but in Dorothy's case it was so much the opposite. I found myself wishing she could find happiness and that people would treat her honorably. I also realized that I had been sucked into a "chick flick." Still, I think its worth seeing but its not one I can watch again...well maybe the part where Halle sings. Anyway, Dorothy made other films such as Carmen Jones-and she was nominated for an academy award for that one. Oh well, running late, gotta get to work! Lee Farrell Cigar City Big Band 813-933-0627Read full review
What a wonderful movie that displays the highlights of movie actress Dorothy Dandridge's life. It highlights her triumphs as as well as her fall, but her fall was not her fault, it was the result of her upbringing. She was sexually, physically, mentally, and emotionally abused by her mother's lover. Her mother left her father when Dorothy was very young for a woman. Very taboo for those times... This woman called " auntie" was mean to Dorothy and her sister Vivian, which is depicted in this wonderfully made movie. This movie shows how Dorothy triumphed over her circumstances and become the world's and the nations' first African-American movie actress who was nominated for an academy Award and was the very 1st African American ever to be nominated although she did not win and she should have, but back then race was a major factor. Dorothy did not allow her race, past, or circumstance break her. It made her stronger! This is great DVD to own and view time after time. It is a classic and it is warming to the heart and tragic.Read full review
I loved this movie years ago and how her story was so engaging and sad. Loved Hallie Berry in it too. Beautiful.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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