Say Amen, Somebody

This film is a surprise and keeps the viewer interested! I rented this out of "professional" curiosity as wanting to check out documentaries. Also the fact that it is now 20 years old made me wonder how it would fly now. Well, time has not dented this film at all. The music is uplifting and the dynamics portrayed between not only family members but the some of the central people profiled (Willie Mae Ford Smith, Thomas A. Dorsey & Sallie Martin) are compelling, if not at times (in the light of human nature), somewhat humorous. As far as bringing gospel music into churches, Ms. Smith and Mr. Dorsey were definitely pioneers. Their struggle was unique, but they kept going and nurtured others who wanted to go this same route.

I'm shocked at how few people have seen this film and voted on it. I agree completely with Leonard Maltin's 4-star summary. It's not only a documentary on the lives of two of gospel's founders, Willie Mae Ford Smith and Thomas Dorsey, but it follows them and their families, along with other gospel singers, in the present day.

In some ways, it reminds me of HOOP DREAMS. In one scene, Zella Jackson Price is feeling insecure, talking over serious family issues in the kitchen. And then she's in church, belting out "I'm happy just to know that I'm His child", one of the most powerful, and moving gospel renditions I've heard. And I'm not religious.

As I write this, 2500 people have voted for HOWARD THE DUCK, only 10 for SAY AMEN, SOMEBODY. Something's definitely wrong here.

Say Amen Somebody caught my attention when I found film critic Roger Ebert's 4/4 star review of it. Not only did he give it his highest rating, but he also called it the 8th best movie of 1983.

Christian based movies are my favorite genre of film (The Prince of Egypt and The Apostle are included, Noah and God's Not Dead are NOT), so the acclaim and the subject matter intrigued me.

However, it wasn't available on Amazon for a long time and in most places online it was expensive to get on DVD, due to its rarity. However, the channel TCM (Turner Classic Movies) played it today at Noon Michigan Time as a celebration of Juneteenth. And to TCM, I owe a huge amount of gratitude. This is now one of my favorite documentaries and one of the best religious films I have ever seen.

Say Amen Somebody is a documentary about black Gospel singers (in fact if there WERE any white people in this film, they were in the background), and the focus is mainly on 2 big names in Gospel, Thomas A. Dorsey and Willie May Ford Smith. We hear much of their beautiful music and hear stories about their lives.

One powerful aspect of SAS is the music. In fact, the movie is at its best when the Gospel Singers are performing. Dorsey at one point tells us how he was inspired to write Take My Hand, Precious Lord and how often Gospel music churches sing that now. (On a related note, Elvis made that song quite popular as well.) Near the end, the congregation sings Jesus Loves Me.

My upbringing with church music is more traditional and modern worship, but Gospel music...not so much. As a result, most of these songs were new to me. I'd have to listen to the music more for it to be stuck in my head, but I did enjoy many of the songs, such as Jesus Dropped The Charges and I'm His Child.

When there isn't any singing- something you would expect MORE of in a music documentary, we hear the life stories of Dorsey and Smith, and a few other Gospel singers. Especially near the end, when Dorsey needs a walker and his health deteriorates and must decide if he is going to be able to attend a Gospel convention. SAS is proof that documentaries can be as much of an effective drama as a movie with a narrative.

SAS is also well paced, and time flies. It's only 100 minutes long, but it seemed to be only an hour or so. I was so invested that time wasn't an issue in any way.

The film is also very joyous and uplifting. Ebert even began his written review by calling it "The most joyous movie I've seen in a long time." The singing and conclusion are such a delight that I even wanted to stand up with my hands in the air. Non-Christians could possibly see this movie and praise God due to how infectious the mood of the film is.

Say Amen Somebody is therefore a joyous and uplifting documentary that needs more attention. Even if you are not a Christian, I still highly recommend it, because as long as you have emotions, religious belief is not required to thoroughly enjoy and be moved by this movie.

TCM- please play this more (on Easter would be awesome), and I hope it sells more on Amazon. Simply put, see this movie, somebody!

Just wanted to say this movie/documentary was on last Sunday, April 20, 2008 and I had not seen it in years. Oh! what a joy it was to see it again. Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith is absolutely wonderful and her performances speaks for it self. What a lady she was & what a voice. The movie @ times is very funny especially the scenes with old "crusty" Sallie Martin & Mother Smith discussing when the 1st convention was and the look Mother Smith gives is to funny. The scenes in St. Louis, Mo are so familiar to me since I was born and raised in St. Louis. The scenes at the old Union Station (I remember when it was run down and dilapidated like that) and I later worked there after they remodeled it @ the Omni/Hyatt Hotel, and I also visited the church where they had the tribute to Mother Smith. My favorite parts are Delois Barret Campbell and her sisters singing and the scene with her selfish husband, Mother Smith @ the nursing home singing (her daughter Bertha could really belt out the tunes on that old piano), Mother Smith singing with her children "I'll Never Turn Back" and the scene at the end is the most poignant of all when Mother Smith sings the finale. Oh! overtone I hear her singing that song talking about being moved, the holy spirit gets in me and the tears flow and flow and I get so happy. I recommend that if you ever are feeling low, sad or lonely, buy or rent this movie and I am sure you will feel 100% better.

I first saw this movie on Bravo or A&E and was instantly captivated. I found it a year or so later on VHS and almost wore the tape out. I showed it to as many of my friends and family who would watch it. I am elated to finally see it released on DVD with bonus material and an accompanying soundtrack CD. This is my favorite movie/documentary of all time, bar none. It inspires me, and moves me. People don't sing like that anymore. Mother Willie May Ford Smith is absolutely a joy to listen to and watch. All of the persons featured are amazing. I just wish I could have heard Mother Smith in her prime. Mr. Dorsey is the Father of Gospel and I loved watching him sing and talk. This is Gospel 101. Everyone who aspires to be a Gospel singer should watch this. Everyone who loves history/music should watch this. It is a Master's Class in performance. Enjoy.