jessied44

Just discovered this series on Acorn only to discover that it is only one season. It is funny, satirical, and filled with gentle humor. Enjoy Series one and then get irritated that that is all there is.

I can not find a video of this amazing show which might now only exist in memory. It was one of the single best specials of the 60's featuring almost every notable black star of the era performing in music, dance & drama vignettes the poetry of Langston Hughes. Most memorable performances were the poems Harlem Sweeties and Weary Blues

The stars included Sammy Davis, jr., George Kirby, Sidney Poitier, singer Gloria Lynne, Langston Hughes (he wrote the script for the show!), Harry Belafonte, singer Joe Williams, Diahann Carroll, Nipsey Russell, Paula Kelly and, yes, Duke Ellington

If a tape does exist, it would be a present for the ages.

This is a very well done series covering the years following WW I in the Grand Hotel with the lives of its owners, guests and employees tangled in a very well written historical soap opera. You get emotionally invested in who will rise, fall, be exposed and suffer their fates deserved and otherwise. At the center are the two brothers vying to own The Grand, manipulate their family members, control their wives, and deal with the finances of The Grand. Overseeing the employees and their tangled relationships are Mr. Collins and Mrs. Harvey who know all the secrets. I binge watched the whole series sacrificing sleep to what happens next and high recommend catching up for those who love well done British television.