Little Richard Movie Review 2000

The struggle between rock 'n' roll and religion is the story behind this biography of the legendary Little Richard Penniman (well-played by Leon). Born in Georgia in 1943, the boy is too much of a sissy for his stern father (Lumbly) although his mother (Lewis) and local minister Preacher Rainey (Morris) encourage his singing in the choir. But soon Little Richard has succumbed to the secular and found success, although he comes to realize the inequities of the music business for a black man. But he also sees signs from God to leave show business for life in the ministry and continues to struggle between the two.

Distribution

Artisan Entertainment, 2700 Colorado Ave., Ste. 200, Santa Monica, CA 90404, Phone: (310)449-9200, Fax: (310)255-3730, URL: http://www.artisanent.com, Remarks: Does not handle retail queries from consumers; contact your local video distributor.

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 120 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Biopics: Musicians, African America, Rock Flicks, American South, Period Piece: 1950s, Family Ties, Religion

Screenplay

Daniel Taplitz

Cast

Leon, Jenifer Lewis, Carl Lumbly, Tamala Jones, Mel Jackson, Garrett Morris

Cinematography

Edward Pei

Director

Robert Townsend