Cabin in the Sky

Yes, "Cabin" has the feel of its Broadway roots, but it is not bogged down by stagey set-ups. The studio filming is appropriately surrealistic, and Minnelli's direction is superb. And, of course, the cast is spectacular. In regards to that horrible DVD commentary mentioned by another poster.....having attended USC's Critical Film Studies department twenty years ago, I cannot say I'm surprised. It was the pretentiousness and delusional rantings of several professors that led me to abandon a Masters degree from that program. Ignore the "PC" BS gibberish, and enjoy this wonderful musical comedy. It would be great if people would stop commenting on Waters personality as if they actually knew the woman. These clueless poster comments about her "difficult" and "unkind" character are without explanation or perspective.

This film crackles with energy from start to finish. Every moment of this film contains singing, dancing, or drama. There is so much going on in this film, and so often, that it is impossible to look away from it; its simple and timeless lessons about love, morality, misunderstandings, and forgiveness play out like little vignettes. Minnelli keeps the action moving so quickly that you can't even catch your breath. I doubt that the endearing sincerity of this film, so obvious in scenes such as when Little Joe comes home to greet Petunia, could be as genuine in today's jaded, cynical audiences. This is a wonderful, spirited film packed with talented actors. It's a shame that certain people have to point out that it's an "all-black" cast; why make skin color an issue?

I must admit, as a support to the Harlem Renaissance, I show this film to my students. No child has ever been left unaffected at seeing this film. What a wonderfully touching film. It addresses real issues of today in a yesterday atmosphere. The cinematography is somewhat lacking, but for the 1940s that is of no diminish to the beauty of this film. In addition, it is yet a marker to the contribution of the African American to the film industry and well worth the title of one of life's best kept African American secrets. The actors in the film also warrant acclaim for this. This all person-of-color film is so lovely, emotion filled and real, who would not want to spend their time evaluating its worth? As a 7th grade Language Arts instructor who is greatly proud of her heritage and the contributions my ancestors and friends have made, I am indeed proud of this cinematic star-studded glimpse of the past. And, I still cry every time I watch it today...

A compulsive gambler (Eddie Anderson) dies during a shooting, but he will receive a second chance to reform himself and to make up with his worried wife (Ethel Waters). What I find odd about this is that MGM's DVD has a warning before it starts that what you see might be considered racist today. This might be the case. However, having seen countless films from the 1930s and 1940s with black actors, I can confidently say this is far from the worst depiction you will see. In fact, the film has an all-black cast, which has to be something of a milestone in itself regardless of how it is interpreted. There is nothing too shocking in the picture as far as the plot is concerned. You can reasonably predict where it will go. But there is the now timeless theme of a good angel and a bad angel fighting over a man's soul... and their battles might be of interest. I liked it.

This wonderful musical has a LOT going for it: a great cast of noted black actors from stage and screen, songs by Vernon Duke and Harold Arlen, the directorial debut of Vincent Minnelli, etc. But above all, you have a chance to see and hear the matchless singer/actress Ethel Waters in top form, and perhaps begin to understand why many consider her the greatest and most influential jazz/pop vocalist of all time...yes, every great singer who came later, including Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, etc. had a style which came out of Ethel Waters...and that goes as well for her beautiful co-star in this film, Lena Horne. A must for fans of musicals, jazz, and great music!

Take the film only for what it is, a spoof, farce or light comedy. Serving that purpose, the cast is delightful with required over-the-top performances by one and all. Ethel Waters is a dream throughout; I only wish Minelli had let her sing "Takin' a Chance on Love" without the unwelcome distraction of the tap dance sequence. Besides Waters, Lucifer's team steals the show, and of course today one wishes that Louis Armstrong could have been given a chance to demonstrate his unique vocal style. But this is nitpicking. The film is an absolutely delightful period piece with a superb cast and memorable vocals. I try to watch it at least once a year and may purchase the DVD to share with friends. (I've already purchased two of Ethel Waters' CDs.)

Ethel Waters, you hear her singing style in almost all early singers from the late 20's and 30's. Mildred Bailey, Billie Holiday. She had the clearest voice and such enunciation. She was a miserable woman tho and thats why you never hear other singers give her praise. In this film her singing is as tear jerking today as it was on those old 78's. She sings and you understand every word and in this movie you even can see her do a little shimmy for which she was renowned for early in her career. A great cast. Lena is superb as always and Bubbles from the vaudevillian team "buck and bubbles" along with earl snake hip tucker. These are Harlem legends that ruled 133rd street (the real swing street) in their day. My mother never tires of this movie as she was a devout Ethel fan all her life (she was born in 1923) so she grew up listening to this legend. Get this bit of American history