Cora Unashamed

It's a nice adaptation of the Langston Hughes story. Sometimes the acting may be a little stilted but overall it makes for a classic tear-jerker. I don't want to give too much away but it's interesting how it's relevant these days with the abortion debate still raging on. Overall it's a very good effort for a TV film.

This film, to my mind, is an excellent portrayal of the values of the time. The set, costumes and camera-work are outstanding. The story in itself has a universal theme; it could have been set in any country, at any time. In a way, it reminds me of The Color Purple, also of Clara's Heart; the issues of gender and race are still relevant today, as are the issue of loveless parents leaving the care of their children to hired help. I cannot understand why this film did not receive the international recognition it deserves; I will recommend it to everyone I know. It was shown on late-night TV here in South Africa, and I stayed up until 3 a.m. just to watch it.

I have just finished watching Cora Unashamed. I wish I had not waited to see it. I enjoyed it immensely. The best thing about it is the performances of Regina Taylor and Cherry Jones. I have never been so riveted to a screen in all my life and I have viewed a lot of movies. The tension between the two characters was so apparent and the weakness of the father in the family was absolutely disturbing. I commend all the actors in this fine film but most notably, Regina Taylor and Cherry Jones. I look forward to enjoying their future performances.

I was honored with being an extra in the town scene shot in Cambridge, Iowa. I was selected last minute to play the racist grocer and Debra Pratt was an incredible director to work with. Sadly, my close up scene was cut (I learned a year later when it aired. LOL Such is Hollywood.) CCH Pounder was incredible, I crept off to her trailer after being fitted for costume to thank her for a line that changed my life many years ago. She even took a photo of me on set with two other cast members. Pure class! Regina Taylor was amazing...I stood face to face with her and stared I'm her down (or rather, my character did.) This film opener my eyes to a stigma I had not even considered existed in the 193s, and it did it in such a way that EVERYBODY loves Cora! A definite MUST SEE!!!

Why was the film overlooked by the Emmy awards? There were so many good things about this film that deserved recognition. First of all, Ann Peacock's teleplay should not have gone unnoticed. Peacock managed to turn a 10 page short story into a 95 minute film, while keeping true to Hughes's style. The performances by Regina Taylor and Cherry Jones were top notch. The sets, costumes, hairstyling were all so good. This realy was overlooked.