Amazing Grace

In continuing my reviews of African-Americans in film in chronological order for Black History Month, we're once again at 1974 with the second movie in a row that has a supporting role for Rosalind Cash after her appearance in Uptown Saturday Night, Amazing Grace. This movie starred comedienne Moms Mabley as Grace in her only lead role before her untimely death a year later. Though it takes a while, you do get used to the various ways Ms. Mabley expresses herself whether she's happy, sad, or angry. I especially liked her scenes as a maid sneaking behind the current mayor played by Dolph Sweet as he's talking on the telephone and her call to a Clarine played by a welcome movie veteran, Butterfly McQueen at her most endearingly scatterbrained. Another veteran, Stepin Fetchit, also appears as himself as part of Moms' family saying goodbye to her on the train in a clear voice much different from his usual characterization as slow-witted and slow-speaking. Slappy White as Mabley's neighbor Forthwith Wilson is also good especially when he does some of his tap dancing. Moses Gunn brings some depth as the Mayor-to-be Welton J. Waters who learns some lessons from Grace with wife Creola (Cash) also getting a handful from her to Creola's eventual delight. Among white players besides Sweet, James Karen as the crooked campaign manager Annenberg also impresses. Two young adult black players-George Lee Miles and Gary Bolling-also appeared later that year in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. And, to complete my mention of black people involved here, director Stan Lathan is the father of actress Sanaa Lathan and producer/writer Matt Robinson (the original Gordon on "Seseme Street") is the father of actress Holly Robinson Peete. Not quite hilarious but pretty amusing comedy that should at least put a smile on your face even as you see Ms. Mabley at the end in her final close-up as we watch her for the last time...

I can not remember when the last time is I saw such a truly funny, funny movie. There are NO swear words, nudity (or close!), crude humor, etc. It is a PURELY FUNNY MOVIE. I saw this on one of the Direct Satilite TV Movie Channels and have not been able to find it anywhere since. Unlike most of the black actors/actresses of her time, Ma Mabley can pull off gut-wrenching laughter from you, without having to resort to dirty language. If only Richard Prior, Redd Foxx, Bill Cosby (yes, even HE "had" to use mild swear words to try to get a laugh, especially in his beginning), Martin Lawrence, etc. etc. would have taken a 'lesson from Ma', they too might have been this funny! I would give my HIGHEST POSSIBLE RECOMMENDATION to this movie. It should be RE-RELEASED and in everyone's collection!! Don Ginter Northville NY 12134-0627 USA

I recently watched Amazing Grace (1974) on Tubi. The storyline follows an older lady who moves to Baltimore right next door to a black up and coming political official. The old lady over hears some corrupt behavior at her neighbors and decides to try and get more details to release to the public to ensure the right leadership is in charge of Baltimore.

This movie is directed by Stan Lathan (Beat Street) and stars Jackie "Moms" Mabley (Boarding House Blues), Slappy White (Sanford and Son), Moses Gunn (Shaft), Rosalind Cash (The Omega Man) and Debbi Morgan (Eve's Bayou).

Amazing Grace offers good, wholesome comedy and presents a relatable, authentic main character. It feels like a comedy your grandmother would have written and brought to life. The situations depicted in the film are a mix of hits and misses, wildly unrealistic at times, but still enjoyable to watch unfold. Jackie "Moms" Mabley's facial expressions and body language are perfect, leaving a smile on your face throughout the film. Moses Gunn excels as the villain, and Rosalind Cash's gorgeous presence adds to the film's charm.

In conclusion, Amazing Grace is a clean comedy that may not be anything extraordinary but is still a pleasant watch. I would rate this a 5/10 and recommend giving it a watch.

Amazing Grace features some extremely simplistic writing and broad (to say the least) acting, but the overall message of the film is positive and inspiring, and "Moms" is really a sight to see. She carries this film on her back with no effort at all. A classy performance by Moses Gunn and some wonderful location shooting (even though the film was shot in Philly, not Baltimore) aid the film as well. A bizarre cameo by Butterfly McQueen is the icing on the cake. Recommended. 7/10.