Minstrel Man

This is one of those amazing documents that seem to have been created directly by Providence, surely, everything came together here in a sad, funny, joyous, yet tragic film loaded with some of the most wonderful actors, dancers and singers we have ever seen on screens of any size.

We wonder, for example, what in the world happened to the talented Glynn Turman, who stars in this great piece of film art.

The other amazing thing is how this film, this wonderful production, so obviously made by experts in film art could have possibly disappeared. I have looked for it on video for a decade now and thus far have not seen it. Surely there is room also, for greatness in the market place. God knows we have enough junk available everywhere.

This film will bring shame to anyone who ever even had a fleeting thought of prejudice toward another human being because his or her complexion was a different tone. However, it does more than that. It entertains and while doing that, shows us the raw nature of pure courage.

For more than two decades, I have searched for my favorite movie, The Minstrel Man (1977), to be either televised or made available for purchase. An excellent performance was done by the cast of this film. This is a "heart-gripping" movie, that defines the inhumanity and positive evils of racism. This film exhibits Black Americans, as working, inventive, compassionate and creative human beings through horrific adversities, and yet they defy to totally release their integrity.

The Entertainment Industry has the audacity to act insulted by acusations like, "it is directly or indirectly at fault for creating and perpetuating monsters in the world". You are surely mentors of today's media. This is a small opportunity to right a big wrong.

I guess I answered my Summary?!

I've read a number of comments here on the IMDb about the 1977 MINSTREL MAN being "lost". I'm unsure about Mr. Cosby's involvement, but I doubt he would try to suppress a film that has an undeniably positive view of African-Americans, especially with that extraordinary and uplifting ending.

The original producing company, Viacom (assuming they still hold the copyright) is still in existence and highly successful. Even if it has lost the copyright, I can guarantee you that this film does indeed exist and is not "lost". Why it hasn't been made available to the public via DVD is probably because few people know about it. It is after all thirty years old this year-----------and most people aren't interested in a film-----------let alone a TV film---------that is older than a year or so.

I agree with the posters who say this is one of televisions finest moments, and hopefully someday it will become available to all of you.

Jay Allan Fenton

It's too bad this TV movie has gotten lost and is unavailable on video--Maltin used to list it, and called it "outstanding". A touring minstrel company in the early part of the twentieth century is the focus; its experiences are used to dramatize the reality of racial relations in America; it resonates even today. It is honest, funny, and tragic. Somebody reissue it!

I've heard that Bill Cosby has bought up many films that he considers to have cast a demeaning light upon many of our great African-American performers, such as old favorites like the TV "Amos & Andy" shows and other great African-American productions. Sadly, he is doing a great injustice to the people whom he is attempting to protect, as he is depriving them the recognition that they so richly deserve and at the same time depriving the viewing public its opportunity of viewing enjoyment, for which those productions were purposefully made. I fear that the 1977 TV movie, "Minstrel Man" has been confiscated into the collection of Mr.Cosby, much to the detrimental void he has created for the rest of us. If I am wrong - then to where has it disappeared?

Anonymous