A Woman Called Moses

An important story to tell about one of the most important Americans of the 19th century. Cicely Tyson portrayal was excellent. Her response to the suggestion that blacks return to Africa was one of the classic speeches of American movie history. The screenplay and supporting cast were also quite good. While I am a fan of Orson Welles, his narration was an unneeded distraction most of the time. Only three or four narrations would have let the action tell the story without his excessive "waxing eloquence" that seemed alien to the setting. Considering the quality of this TV production, it is surprising that the movie and Ms. Tyson were not at least recognized with a nomination for an Emmy award.

I remember learning about Harriet Tubman and reading a few books about her as a child. When I learned that there was a movie, I knew I had to see it and I purchased it. After seeing it for the first time it was captivating and inspiring. I absolutely love this movie, it is my favorite of all times. I purchased this movie many years ago and I have watched it many times in fact it stays in my DVD player at all times (test me). I can recite most of the lines from the move. My favorite is the quote she uses that defies struggles. That was an epiphany moment, it changed my outlook on struggles and gave new meaning to endurance. The 1st time I saw this movie she became my hero! I remember thinking, for a woman living in those times and being confined to that situation, to show that kind of strength was incredible and life changing for me. Cicely Tyson brought her to life for me, no one else (in my opinion) could've played her.

At last there is an adaptation of the life of Harriet Tubman, the female Moses of the mid 19th century in America. I have read all the biographies on the autobiography of Harriet Tubman and thought to myself this is very much like Cecil B. DeMille's 'Union Pacific' and the expansion of the railroad from east to west. Tubman's underground passage is from south to north, leading into Niagara Falls in Canada. There is a 'Negro Burial Ground' near Niagara Falls to this day to commemorate those who made it across the border. Now that I think about it there isn't anyone else that could play Harriet Tubman but Cicely Tyson. Apart from her accent which I can't get a hold of, I think she brings the right emotions to the part.

For years the Berkeley CA school District must have had a free copy. It was shown from grade 5 1978 (age 10 until age 14)1982. Its raining outside "show them the woman called Mosses", teacher is hung over, "woman called Mosses" again, temp teacher, hey we can watch this movie! That is not the worst, it was a good movie.

But under the Geneva Convention I was tortured. I was forced to learn all the words to "I am woman hear me roar" in third grade. As well as many Dylan songs. People wonder why we hate hippies.

Actually if you have a child it is not a bad movie to show them. Mrs. Tyson is of course great. But a teacher friend of mind says they now have something animated for kids about the underground railroad and animation holds their attention a lot better.

As usual, Ms Tyson brings it home in an amazing miniseries about the life of the incredible Ms. Harriet Tubman. It's a travesty Tyson wasn't nominated for an Emmy or Golden Globe award for her performance (at least I can't find that information anywhere). I highly recommend this film over the 2018 theatrical film HARRIET. While that film is good, this one is grittier and more realistic. Cynthia Erivo gives an amazing performance (Oscar nominated) in that film as well. Check this one out first though.