It is understandable for anybody to expect a lot from Rabbit Productions' adaptation of 'Follow the Drinking Gourd'. It is such a powerful story, one of the most dramatic and moving stories about slavery there is around. One cannot go wrong with Morgan Freeman narrating anything, he has such a distinctive voice that is always a pleasure to listen to. Rabbit Productions have a fabulous track record with their literary adaptations in all the series they produced.
One of those series was the "American Heroes and Legends" one running from 1992 to 1994. For me, the two standout adaptations from that series were 'Rip Van Winkle' and 'John Henry'. 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' is every bit as much on their level and is brilliantly done in its own way, while not quite one of my very favourite Rabbit Ears adaptations it is still one of their must watches and one of their most dramatic. A powerful story told flawlessly, in what must be in the top 5 most emotional Rabbit Ears adaptations.
'Follow the Drinking Gourd' looks beautiful. The colours are highly atmospheric and with a wide variety of colours and shades. The image of Mary is particularly striking. Taj Mahal's music also makes a massive impression, it not only fits the story's mood perfectly but it is both emotional and soothing to listen to. To use simple instrumentation, meaning here solo guitar, was a good move and an appropriate one. The song itself is so sorrowful and did bring tears to my eyes.
Another major star here is Freeman's narration, which is nothing short of masterful. Cool but also extremely tender and sonorous, always love voices that is easy to listen to and Freeman's voice has always done that for me. The writing is always thoughtful and sincere, without being over-serious or patronising. Never have felt talked down to in all my viewings of 'Follow the Drinking Gourd'.
What is already a very dramatic and emotionally resonant story is told in a very honest, truly moving and dramatically pull no punches way, showing some positiivity and hope in portraying the very relatable characters' attitudes in a positive light without idealising. It is not an easy subject to convey well, Rabbit Ears' 'Follow the Drinking Gourd' does so sensitively without sugar-coating. The family's courage is so worth relating to throughout and makes them likeable.
Summing up, wonderful. 10/10.
