Lady Sings the Blues (1972)

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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, All Movie Guide

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.

Theatrical Feature Running Time:

143 mins

Complete Cast:

Director(s):

Sidney J. Furie

Writer(s):

Terence McCloy, Suzanne De Passe, Chris Clark

Producer(s):

Berry Gordy, James S. White, Jay Weston

Theatrical MPAA Rating:

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

Categories:

Drama

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