A relatively obscure Best Picture nominee: a low-key drama about sharecroppers in 30s Louisiana. Kevin Hooks is the highly likable young hero, and Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson are strong as his hardworking parents (both earned Oscar nominations). Solid script (also nominated) and direction; lovely cinematography by John A. Alonzo, and delightful music by Taj Mahal. A couple of groaner scenes with Carmen Mathews as a Virtuous White Person; otherwise a fine, sadly overlooked film for the family.

Good drama about a black family during the Great Depression just trying to survive. There's a lot of love in the family that keeps them going.

Realistic, but wonderfully atmospheric as well.

Another "family classic" that just ain't really there