An interesting film, despite the slightly overblown sentimentality and romance. Great music and ballads. Disturbing slave-era imagery, and even more disturbing, but historically accurate black face performances in the portrayal of Christy's Minstrels.
The one thing I would like to know is how accurate are the portrayals of E.P. Christy and Stephen Foster? Christy's Minstrels was a black face troupe, and their performances are among the more disquieting moments in the film...you want to enjoy the music...but can't due to the irreconcilable racist undertones.
All in all it's an enjoyable film, but be cautioned that your kids might ask "why are those people wearing black paint?" an honest question and worthy of in-depth dialog to help "foster" respect for all people in upcoming generations.
It feels like a film from the early thirties, surprisingly it's from '52. I bought it for the performance of "Beautiful Dreamer."
The one thing I would like to know is how accurate are the portrayals of E.P. Christy and Stephen Foster? Christy's Minstrels was a black face troupe, and their performances are among the more disquieting moments in the film...you want to enjoy the music...but can't due to the irreconcilable racist undertones.
All in all it's an enjoyable film, but be cautioned that your kids might ask "why are those people wearing black paint?" an honest question and worthy of in-depth dialog to help "foster" respect for all people in upcoming generations.
It feels like a film from the early thirties, surprisingly it's from '52. I bought it for the performance of "Beautiful Dreamer."