In Season Seven of TV Talk we are going to tell you about the best African American movies ever. Some of them were made by AA, while others were only stories that included AA. All of these movies were life changing.
Back when we were kids there were very few African Americans on television. So if it had African Americans in it, you watched it. It didn’t matter what the story was about, it was just an experience to see someone who looked like us on Television or in the movies. Our first episode examines one of those shows
This week we are celebrating Black History and Love! As part of Black History Month we listed movies that tell stories of black love. Regina and I have put together our list of the top Black Movies to share. We have added some altered movie posters of our favorites. What are your thoughts?
This is a Regina recommendation. I mean I have watched it and thought it was amusing, but she is a fan. I am still on the fence (only because some of the characters are annoying) But the story has it moments where it is funny.
If kind of reminds me of Mary Tyler Moore in and I’m Gonna Get You Sucka kinda of way. The main character has a good heart in a very naïve kinda way surrounded by a cast of characters that..well. You need to experience them for yourself. I am sure you will find a favorite in one of them.
This is a cute little murder mystery I stumble upon on Prime via Acorn TV. An antique dealer’s husband is murdered in France after purchasing a very expensive ring. When she goes to collect the belongings she discovers that her husband had a double life. The first season she spends looking for the person who stole the ring.
This story is fun, the characters are quirky and the scenery is beautiful. Sometimes the characters speak French, but it allows you to feel like the main character with her limit language abilities. I always give plus points for multiracial casts. It also has a creepy edge with sinister characters who lurk in the background.
Try the Madame Blanc Mysteries and let me know what you think.
I choose an old show that I can always count on. The show is Mannix which starred Mike Connors as private investigator Joe Mannix. Joe was the kind of detective that never got rich, but was always there to help the common man. But the common man often looked like a woman who was 10 to 20 years younger than him.
Mike Connors and Gail Fisher
My favorite part of this show was his secretary Peggy Fair played by Gail Fisher. It was great to see someone like me in this role. She was intelligent and witty who was able to speak her mind. I thought Peggy might as well had been his partner because she brought her own strengths into the relationship and helped solve as many cases. She constantly stepped outside of her role as a secretary and made partner like decisions. It was groundbreaking in the late 1960s to have an African American woman play a role like this on television.
And the crazy thing about Joe was he was always getting knocked out. He was a tough guy with a soft jaw and a melon head. The bad guys always caught Joe off guard. And no matter how many times I try to tell him to watch out. He never does. He is always knocked out or tied up somewhere. But He always gets the bad guy in the end.
The middle to end seasons are the best. but check out Mannix. He is one of those old timey detectives that make you route for him. He is currently being showed on FETV and METV.
Non traditional Christmas Movie. Romantic Comedy. Fun story. Operation Christmas Drop is the story of a government official sent to evaluate and shut down a military base. She gets there in time to see the work they do for Christmas and has a big decision to make. It was a fun light hearted story that I enjoyed.
I love the traditional movies, like White Christmas. Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. They sing. They dance. They make you laugh. This is available on Netflix and you can rent it on Prime.
Debuted in 1954
A cute new movie is A Castle for Christmas. This little movie stars Brooke Shields and Cary Elwes. It is available on Netflix. I like this movie because of the actors, but the story was fun and quirky.
I love a movie with African American people in it and to make it be around Christmas makes it even better. This story is on a serious subject, done with comedy and real information. There are times I thought I was in the doctor’s office myself, but it was a learning experience. But you have to love the imagination that can take a hint of Scrooge and mix it with some culture and add purpose to it. I think I found this on Prime.
I didn’t think I was going to like this movie, but I was wrong. It is cute, quirky and fun. If you need something light and Christmasy, this is good. I also like it because it has a diverse cast. Check it and let me know what you think.
UPP Creative Media 