Claudine is a gem of a movie. It was presented by Third World Productions, a Black film company. The idea was to provide top notch, inspirational and equally uplifting thought provoking Black cinema among the sess-pool of low budget, exploitive Blackplotation films of that era. Dianne Carrol received an Oscar nomination for her performance as a hard working welfare mother trying to maintain her family unit while trying to find love the second time around. James Earl Jones portrayed her blue collar suitor with all sensitivity and seriousness needed to express the plight of the Black man during a time when the family units were being torn apart by the welfare system. Not only does the film provide excellent entertainment a great sense of humor but, it tackles serious social issues with an even hand. We see a loving family struggle with an unfair system while trying to beat the odds of dysfunction and estrangement. The soundtrack provided by equally social conscious Curtis Mayfield is superb. Gladys Knight provides the spectacular vocals to Mayfields arrangements. It is currently available through Rhino records. Claudine is a must-see!!!
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The review of this Movie prepared by Vinnessa
This is a WONDERFUL much overlooked classic about a maid (Diahann Caroll) who is on welfare and falls in love with a garbage man (James Earl Jones). Both have ambition and goals to want more out of life and love but how to achieve it is the issue in the movie. Watching these two middle age people fall in love is fun especially around Claudine's very demanding children. Diahann Caroll was nominated for an Oscar for her performance and should have won. It's her best performance EVER! You will love Claudine!
The review of this Movie prepared by Mina