Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

Synopsis of Lady Sings the Blues

Diana Ross plays the magnificent, tragic song stylist Billie Holiday, who while writhing in a strait jacket in a prison cell, awaiting sentencing on drug charges, reflects on her turbulent life. Raped in her youth by a drunk (Adolph Caesar), then compelled to work as a domestic in a Harlem whorehouse, Holliday is encouraged to try for a singing career by the bordello's pianist (Richard Pryor). She rises as high as it is possible to go in the white-dominated show business world of the 1930s, but can't handle the pressure and turns to narcotics. The film takes several liberties with the 44-year existence of "Lady Day." Among the Billie Holiday standards performed by Ross are "My Man," "I Cried for You," "Lover Man," "Them There Eyes," and the title song. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

143 mins

Director(s):

Sidney J. Furie

Writer(s):

Chris Clark, Terence McCloy, Suzanne De Passe

Producer(s):

Jay Weston, Berry Gordy, James S. White

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

R(Adult Situations, Brief Nudity, Not For Children, Adult Language, Violence)

• 1972 - Hollywood Foreign Press Association - New Star of the Year - Female

Warning:  This product is intended for mature audiences only. It may contain violence, sexual content, drug abuse and/or strong language. You must be 17 or older to purchase it. By ordering this item you are certifying that you are at least 17 years of age.

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