Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years (1999)

Based on the bestselling book Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years, this portrayal of sisters Sadie and Bessie Delany (by Diahann Carroll and Ruby Dee) should be required viewing in living rooms and classrooms across the U.S. More than educational, the biography is inspirational and unreservedly enjoyable. Sadie and Bessie were born in 1889 and 1891, respectively, and their life stories are enthralling as they teach history from a personal perspective, from what the Jim Crow laws felt like to life in the core of the Harlem Renaissance, socializing with the likes of Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois. The Delaney sisters' lives were full of hard-earned achievements and remarkable firsts--Sadie graduated from Pratt and became the first African American domestic science teacher in New York, and Bessie graduated from Columbia to become New York City's second black female dentist. More beguiling than the monumental accomplishments of their lives are the everyday stories they share--their love for their family, the fear awakened by a photograph of a lynching, the way they honor and celebrate their father's birthday every year with his favorite meal even 70 years after his death, the way they miss their mother even at the age of 104--and they might just be onto something when they argue that people over 100 shouldn't have to pay taxes any more. While clearly somewhat younger than 101 and 104, Carroll and Dee give wonderful performances. The only downside to this video is that some of the content has been edited for length. --Tara Chace Amazon.com

THIS IS MY SAY

I saw this film on TV. and have been waiting for a DVD copy. Please consider this film for a DVD. VHS is passe.
Cathy April 24, 2006

Wonderfully made and wonderfully done!

There isn't much I can say that others have not said, but just to reinterate the obvious, this movie should be an instant classic. Ruby Dee and Diahann Carroll gives an excellent performance and the Delaney sisters. Speaking from someone who was lucky enough to grow up with not only his mother, but two grandmothers, two grandfathers, a great grandmother and a great, great grandmother, it is a pleasure to see these woman as I see my own relatives. My great, great grandmother died at the age of 107 when I was a senior in high school. She was as active as the Delaney sisters. I love them and this movie. What more can I say? May 17, 2004

Ruby Dee and Diahann Carroll: The Greatest!

Ruby and Diahann were showing off their skills. I loved watching them become the DeLany sisters with ease. It is most difficult to pick out a favorite scene, but I will say that the telephone installer was dumb founded and acted it well. August 27, 2001

A Masterpiece Comes to Video

Once in a while a movie comes along that is an instant classic. One that can transcend ideas and long-held notions. It has the power to move a viewer, and change one's mind forever. This is that type of film. This incredible video about the life of two professional women who surpassed the 100-year mark is a masterpiece. Based on the book by the Delaney Sisters, this video beautifully and vividly brings to life the amazing story of a loving family and their adventures in life. All the characters were sensitively and accurately portrayed, however, a standout performance is given by Broadway star Audra MacDonald as the young Bessie Delaney. Ms. MacDonald's performance is superlative; every emotion is felt and the audience gets the opportunity to live in the character's shoes, thanks to this amazing performer's portrayal. Invite the family, your friends, your neighbors for a viewing. This is a must-see. Don't miss it. April 14, 2001

Outstanding!

This film is excellent! I watched this film with my husband and our boys (ages 11, 13 & 16) and we all enjoyed it. I think it's so miraculous that these ladies not only lived such a long life and were able to tell about it, but their lives touched well-known people that we've read about (i.e., W.E.B. Dubois). After I saw the video, my mom borrowed it (age 71) and then my grandmother borrowed it (age 100). My 11 year old wanted to see it again after my grandmother saw it. Diahann Carroll and Ruby Dee did an excellent job in their protrayals of the sisters (however they did move rather well for women who were supposed to be over 100. Then again, my grandmother still gets around pretty well). It's a film that is definitely enjoyed by all ages. A definite must for your video library! March 16, 2001

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