Been Rich All My Life

Chorus girls who glittered at the Apollo Theatre at the height of the Harlem Renaissance reunite as The Silver Belles, a different sort of Chorus Line. A film as witty and stylish as its subjects, BEEN RICH ALL MY LIFE features a cast of delightfully indestructible women, who explain how they have persevered through times good and bad, retaining their sense of glamor and their sense of humor and giving audiences a great time along the way. There are melancholy notes among the scenes of joy, but in the end, they embody Stephen Sondheim's "I'm Still Here."

The film was a big hit at New York's "Dance on Film" festival.

This is a wonderful film which I believe people of all ages and backgrounds would love. I saw it yesterday and find that today I am re-seeing it in my mind and laughing and crying all over again. It is beautifully shot and the characters are so wonderful. I feel that I know all of them and that they will always be a part of my life. These characters live their lives fully and dare to follow their dreams. I feel that anyone who sees this film will feel that their life has been enriched by it.Having lived in New York City for sixteen years, I also feel that this film captured on screen so many of the reasons I loved living in that city. Heather MacDonald and that fabulous cast of characters deserve many many congratulations and bravos.

This documentary follows the lives of the Silver Bells, ladies aged 84-96 who were Harlem showgirls in the heyday of 1930's clubs. It follows how they formed a tap troupe and still perform in New York. They follow them as they travel to their rehearsals and performances and interview them in their homes.

It is this independence that stands out most prominently in this movie. Watching them in their advanced ages maneuvering through the crowded streets they've lived on for so long. It makes a younger viewer tired as one of the ladies shows the route she has to take, which includes multiple trains and buses to get to rehearsal one way.

During the rehearsals you get to see the feisty side of some of these ladies and the perfectionism that they have for their craft. Some still teach the younger dancers attempting to make sure the art of tap is not lost. There are also photos and video clips of the clubs and performers from days gone by interspersed throughout. Looking at all the autographed pictures they possess and how many of the performers they worked with really makes you appreciate their clear memory. They definitely have stories to tell.

They told stories of how they were founding members of the American Guild of Variety Artists. This is a national union that began during the strike of showgirls in Harlem. So many benefit from this union but hardly anyone knows how it all began; that a handful of Black showgirls in Harlem said enough, we deserve better treatment. They also told stories about their performances abroad; riding steamer ships to faraway lands. How dance and the jazz culture took them to places they would never have had the opportunity to see.

Being that all of these women are older necessarily some physical limitations are evident. The most poignant part of the documentary is the possibility of injury. At their age some injures can be fatal. Even with that being the case these women keep performing. They keep the music playing, audiences smiling and hands clapping.

A wonderful film, a work of love and devotion from the director and her production team. Thank you for giving us this glimpse of remarkable women. Talented, strong, determined, and wise, we have this film, this information, these sharings for ever. What a gift! Not only are these ladies truly remarkable, they are truly talented. They have seen and experienced so much in their lives and continue with that same effervescent thrill to entertain!!

And along side that we have footage, film clips, still photos from the Harlem Renaissance, from the world of segregation, the world of living 'on the road.'

It is a beautiful work of art. In some ways I wish the film was longer, so that we could have more old photos and footage and more time with these Silver Belles!!!

Thank you for this wonderful documentary.

I saw this movie at its premier in my hometown and I must say it was amazing. I was expecting a documentary (usually more boring than entertaining with a very bland narrator), but this wasn't one at all!!! There was no narrator and you really get attached to the characters like a "regular" movie. Watching these ladies from when they were young in the '20s to their current age (80s and 90s) just pulls at your heartstrings--because they are still kickin' it! (literally!) If you have a chance, go to the premier in New York on July 21st!! You will love it and your attendance will help it go national!! My compliments to Heather MacDonald (director).