Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years poster

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

7.3 ★19991h 40mEN
HistoryDramaTV Movie

Directed by Lynne Littman

Rating

7.3/10

Runtime

1h 40m

Language

EN

Release

April 18, 1999

Director

Lynne Littman

Overview

Tells the story of Sadie and Bessie Delany, two African-American (they preferred "colored") sisters who both lived past the age of 100. They grew up on a North Carolina college campus, the daughters of the first African-American Episcopal bishop, who was born a slave, and a woman with an inter-racia...

Top Cast

Diahann CarrollRuby DeeAmy MadiganLisa ArrindellAudra McDonaldMykelti Williamson

Cast

Diahann Carroll

Diahann Carroll

Sadie Delany

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee

Annie Elizabeth 'Bessie' Delany

Amy Madigan

Amy Madigan

Amy Hill Hearth

Lisa Arrindell

Lisa Arrindell

Sadie in her 20s

Audra McDonald

Audra McDonald

Bessie in her 20s

Mykelti Williamson

Mykelti Williamson

Papa Delany

Lonette McKee

Lonette McKee

Mama Delany

Richard Roundtree

Richard Roundtree

Booker T. Washington

Della Reese

Della Reese

Martha Logan

Ahmond

Ahmond

Henry Delany

Cameron Arnett

Cameron Arnett

Lemuel

Nate Bynum

Nate Bynum

Introduction

In this latest movie review, we dive deep into Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years (1999), exploring its intricate plot and standout performances that have everyone talking.

Tells the story of Sadie and Bessie Delany, two African-American (they preferred "colored") sisters who both lived past the age of 100. They grew up on a North Carolina college campus, the daughters of the first African-American Episcopal bishop, who was born a slave, and a woman with an inter-racial background. With the support of each other and their family, they survived encounters with racism and sexism in their own different ways. Sadie quietly and sweetly broke barriers to become the first African-American home-ec teacher in New York City, while Bessie, with her own brand of outspokenness, became the second African-American dentist in New York City. At the ages of 103 and 101, they told their story to Amy Hill Hearth, a white New York Times reporter who published an article about them. The overwhelming response launched a bestselling book, a Broadway play, and this film.

🛑 Story ExplainedSpoiler Warning

Our story explained section breaks down the complex narrative of Having Our Say: The Delany Sisters' First 100 Years. The full story follows a progression that challenges typical tropes, leading to a climax that requires careful analysis.

The ending explained below clarifies the character motivations and the symbolic meaning of the final scenes that might have left some viewers puzzled.

🏆 Final Verdict

5 / 5 Stars

A triumphant piece of cinema that blends gripping narrative with breathtaking visuals. If you are looking for an <strong>OTT release</strong> or want to experience the <strong>full story</strong>, this is a must-watch.

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