Purlie

I first saw this on PBS and made a copy,and watched it until the tape broke! Unfortunately, this is not available on DVD, and a VHS copy is incredibly expensive to buy.

Written by the late Ossie Davis, the story takes place a long time ago. Purlie (Robert Guillaume)is determined to get his mother's money from IL' Cap'n (Brandon Maggart) to buy Big Bethel, a church that IL' Cap'n wants gone. Knowing the problem he faces, he uses Lutibelle (Melba Moore)because she's a look-alike to a long-lost relative. With the help of Gitlow (Sherman Hemsley), Purlie manages to get his plan in motion, but not without a few stumbling blocks.

The songs are great and Melba Moore steals the show (And has a great set of pipes, too!)

Maybe I did not sufficiently love the 1963 Civil Rights era satire, PURLIE VICTORIOUS (aka GONE ARE THE DAYS!), starring Ruby Dee & Ossie Davis. Based on Ossie's Broadway play. Ruby gives a delightfully sweet, ditzy performance. The show became the hit Broadway musical, PURLIE. According to the NY Times, "by far the most successful and richest of all black musicals". From the roof-rocking opening gospel number to the static "hallelujah chorus" grand finale, "Purlie" is a rollicking, wildly comic folk yarn that should have set me romping and stomping with genuine delight. Set on a Georgia plantation, Lutiebelle, a spirited girl, sets her cap for the preacher Purlie Victorious Judson, a high prancing self styled churchman who involves Lutiebelle in his scheme to hoodwink $500 from Ol' Cap'n Cotcchipee. With its joyous songs and dances-ranging from soul to gospel to blues-and its optimistic zaniness "Purlie" is kinda landmark. Maybe I did not sufficiently love it. If a dvd is released I'll surely rent it.

Beautiful taping of a ground breaking musical comedy. Rhythm and blues elements are mixed with traditional American theater music to produce a show which can satisfy all. The surprisingly complex and rich score is by Geld and Udell, a pair of pop songsmiths famous for "Sealed with a Kiss" and the Carpenters' "Hurting Each Other". Geld and Udell later wrote very satisfying theater scores for "Shenandoah" and "Angel". This is the show which made stars out of Melba Moore, Cleavon Little, and Sherman Helmsley. Robert Guilliame replaces Little, and is an effective substitute. Moore's "I Got Love" is a show stopper! A must see for musical theater buffs.

This is an amazing musical. I remember watching this when I was like 7. It came on PBS. All me, my sister and my cousins could say was " yes Reverin Pearlaay!" We loved it. I thought for SURE I made it up. If anyone has this on VIDEO you are lucky. It is an amazing and wonderfully charming play! AAAAAAAAH it gets like a zillon stars from me Shala. age 27

What I wouldn't give to once again see the play, "Purlie." My family spent many hours watching our tape of Purlie. Unforutnately, our VHS version did not withstand the test of time. If anyone has a copy that could be redistributed, we would all greatly appreciate it and benefit. Please, someone hear all of our calls. With so many negative films being watched today, it would be good to once again see Purlie and view the awesome talents of all of the actors in this wonderful play. Melba Moore and the cast did a superb job! Recently I purchased a copy of the musical score from Purlie and I still remember all of the wonderful songs and was able to sing along. Surely, one of the actors or producers of this great production has a copy that can be put into DVD format for today's audience to view. Hopefully, someone will come forward very soon.