Fresh
Ross conveys the vulnerability and determination of her character across a very believable arc of maturation.
Douglas Pratt, Hollywood Reporter
Lady Sings the Blues
Diana Ross is Billie Holiday. Diana Ross sings Billie Holiday. And a superstar is born.
1972 · 2h 24m · R
Drama, Music
Directed by
Sidney J. Furie
Overview
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
Director and cast
- Sidney J. Furie Director
- Diana Ross as Billie Holiday
- Billy Dee Williams as Louis McKay
- Richard Pryor as Piano Man
- James T. Callahan as Reg Hanley (as James Callahan)
- Paul Hampton as Harry
- Sid Melton as Jerry
- Virginia Capers as Mama Holiday
- Yvonne Fair as Yvonne
- Isabel Sanford as The Madame
- Ned Glass as The Agent
Critics on Rotten Tomatoes
Top critics, in their words
67%
Tomatometer
Rotten
How is it possible for a movie that is otherwise so dreadful to contain such a singularly attractive performance in the title role?
Vincent Canby, New York Times
Fresh
The movie is filled with many of the great Billie Holiday songs, and Ross handles them in an interesting way. She doesn't sing in her own style, and she never tries to imitate Holiday, but she sings somehow in the manner of Holiday.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Fresh
Clearly, it's an affront to Holiday's art, but just as clearly, it's a good piece of low entertainment.
Dave Kehr, Chicago Reader
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