The Ditchdigger's Daughters

I have to say. It is a REALLY GOOD movie. I never even heard of this movie in my life. Then I watched it and cried my eyes out and Laughed. I loved how it showed hard work pays off. Our Kids need to see this over and over again. You can never see this in movies now days. Life is not a fairy tale and this movie is no where near a FAKE movie, that I normally see. It is a really GREAT family movie that I wished I would have seen before. I will look for this book for my sisters two little girls. Heck, I may even buy the movie if I can find it. I was at first going to pass this movie up at first by seeing the title. SO glad that I did NOT!!!

This made for television movie is one of my favorites. It has been 10 years and I'm still searching websites that might sell it on VHS Tape. I still remember parts of it but regret that I never got to view the movie again. Admittedly I haven't been much of a movie watcher for years now, but whenever I do review the TV Guide I never see a rerun of this movie. This movie is so memorable to whatever race, nationality, culture, etc. that would view it. It is primarily about Black struggle, but the fact that its about family is something all people can relate to and learn from. It is fact that there are so many bad things going on with children getting abused or neglected by their guardians that such a movie to be shown would make a beautiful impact. I don't remember seeing a similar movie or documentary. Another part of the movie that stood out for me was the actor that portrayed the father, Mr. Carl Lumbly, a remarkable low-key subtle and fine actor. I've seen him in a couple of other films including one with Halle Berry. He is a very good actor similar in my opinion to Denzel Washington; he can play any character to the extent where you forget he's acting and forget who he really is and only see the movie part that he's portraying.

The book is better, but this movie captures the struggles of an American family (who happens to be black). The strict, yet loving father figure is riveting and the accomplishments of his daughters are amazing. I wish they developed the characters of each girl a little more. The emphasis of intergenerational conflict hampers the message of persistence and survival in a world that is dismissive toward women. One can only imagine the uphill battles that were encountered in trying to raise and educate six girls in the 50s and 60s. The movie only glances over that. However, the last scene with the daughters carrying their father's casket to his final resting place is heart- rendering. Great flick!