The Courage to Love

Set in 19th century New Orleans during a period of religious and political unrest, "The Courage To Love" tells the heroic life story of Henriette Delille, a woman of color who rejects the hypocrisy of class, race and tradition.<p>As racial and political tensions from the North and South infiltrate the isolated French community, Henriete must choose between the powerful love of one man and a divine calling to serve the less fortunate.

I truly enjoyed this story that gives insight into an area of New Orleans history that is been riddled in mystery and obscurity and I feel that Vanessa Williams did an excellent job with her portrayal of Henriette. Lovers of historical romance and New Orleans will especially enjoy this moving tale. There is a lot to be said about what resulted from the melting pot of peoples who gravitated toward New Orleans and led into some of the history that makes up a great deal of social stigma that Henriette faces when sorting through her personal and spiritual beliefs as it relates to the expectations both of her parents place on her.

I just finished watching this TV Lifetime Channel movie. Gil Bellows did an excellent job acting, however, his accent was a little off. But a good try. It's refreshing to see Bellows move into other acting venues.

This is basically a tale of one woman's (Vanessa Williams) rebellion against tradition and racism in the south. In a time when it is against the law to marry outside your race, Henriette (Williams), and Gerard (Bellows), fall in love and face trials of the law of the land of the day. They plan on moving to France where Gerard is from, where they can marry without any restrictions. Until Henriette's sister falls sick and they are forced to stay in the states. Henriette starts fighting with all her might for the rights of her people and her place in the church. I don't want to give away the ending so I will end this here.

Henriette, the mixed-race daughter of Jean Baptiste and Pouponne, teaches in a parish school in New Orleans. Some of her students are children of slaves, and it is not clear whether the masters have given permission.

When Dr. Gerard Gaultier comes to take care of the poor of New Orleans, it's not hard to see what will happen. Even though he is white, he seems to like Henriette right from the start, though the question is how far a romance between them can actually go.

Among the problems in Henriette's life: Her father abandoned her mother long ago and is getting married. Her mother is sick. Her sister Cecilia is pregnant by a white man who seems to want to marry her but can't in this environment. Henriette tries to fit into upper-class white society but is never really accepted.

Frank Morgan is a cruel slave owner who treats girls as young as 12 as mistresses, and dislikes having to share his church with blacks.

Henriette wants to become part of a convent, which most people believe is a ridiculous idea. She is chastized, along with others who work with her, for wearing what looks like a habit. But she is very determined to start a church of her own.

Vanessa Williams did a good job here. I wouldn't say spectacular, but she effectively showed the drive and devotion of Henriette. Stacy Keach and Diahann Carroll were very good as her parents, and Carroll had a real challenge as her character's health went downhill.

Eddie Bo Smith Jr. had the standout performance here as Jacques, one of Frank's slaves, a nice man who eventually becomes bitter, wondering if things will ever get any better.

I personally found this movie kind of boring at first, too much of a 'chick flick', but the inspirational story makes it work.

Came across this movie a few years back while looking for stories to watch during black history month. I have been wondering how I had missed it because there are a few other actors I recognize. I am not a follower of or hater of Vanessa Williams but this role was a great one for her. I know she is versatile with singing, theater, television and movies but I had yet to see her in something I liked. This is a great depiction of the period and choices of that time. I've always wanted to visit New Orleans and have seen various movies about its history. Ms. Williams did the role justice. I'm just sorry so many other people haven't seen it.