Diana Ross plays the magnificent, tragic song stylist Billie Holiday, who while writhing in a strait jacket in a prison cell, awaiting sentencing on drug charges, reflects on her turbulent life.
Raped in her youth by a drunk (played by Adolph Caesar), then compelled to work as a domestic in a Harlem whorehouse, Holiday is encouraged to try for a singing career by the bordello's pianist (played by Richard Pryor).
She rises as high as it is possible to go in the white-dominated show business world of the 1930s, but can't handle the pressure and turns to narcotics.
The film takes several liberties with the life of "Lady Day". Worth a look. Check out Light House Theatre's Jazz film programme; https://www.lighthousecuba.co.nz/season/category/jazz-festival/
Screen times for : FILM: LADY SINGS THE BLUES
Friday 9 June - 1:30pm
Saturday 10 June - 1:30pm
Sunday 11 June - 11:40am
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