Based on the popular Broadway play, Purlie Victorious is the story of a black preacher (award-winning stage and screen actor, Ossie Davis), who returns home to rural Georgia to claim an inheritance and bring down Ol' Cap'n... more » Stonewall Jackson Cotchipee (Sorrell Booke, The Dukes of Hazzard), the ruthless plantation owner that he once served. Accompanying Purlie is Miss Lutiebelle Jenkins (Ruby Dee), a pretty young girl who has captured his heart. Purlie persuades her to convince Cotchipee that she is the long-lost relative entitled to the family inheritance. But, the plot goes awry and Purlie must hide to escape the old man's wrath. He finds a surprise ally in Cotchipee's son, Charlie (award-winning actor, Alan Alda, in his first film role), a progressive Southern gentleman who takes matters into his own hands, eventually helping Purlie emerge victorious. While played with comedic effect, Purlie Victorious reflects the powerful themes of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The movie also stars Godfrey M. Cambridge, Hilda Haynes, Beah Richards, Charles Welch and Ralph Roberts.« less
"Ossie Davis was indeed a master storyteller. I saw the play on broadway with Cleavon Little in the title role and Melba Moore as Lutiebelle. I saw the play on A&E with Robert Guilluame in the title role. But, Ossie was truly Purlie in every fiber of his being. The original title of this movie was Gone Are The Days when I saw it on television many years ago. I was so taken with his performance that I taped it on a reel to reel just to hear it over and over again. Now that I have the original on dvd my children can get to see what real acting is all about. And they get to see 'The Mayor' in his prime. Yes, from the beginning Ossie knew how to 'do the right thing'!
"
Highly recommended for its interesting and progressive messa
Midwest Book Review | Oregon, WI USA | 06/05/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Starring Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, and Alan Alda, Purlie Victorious, originally a popular Broadway production, is the intriguing story of a black preacher's return to his home in rural Georgia to claim a rightful inheritance and diminish the powers of his once served 'boss' Ol' Cap'n Stonewall Jackson Cotchipee. As an activist film in the midst of the civil rights movement in the 1960's, Purlie Victorious entertains viewers with a great plot as Purlie's persuasion convinces his young girl-friend to claim herself a long-lost relative of Cotchipee's family. When the deception fails to work, rendering Purlie "dispositioned" to go into hiding. Remarkably, however, Cotchipee's son, Charlie, intervenes to the couples assistance and hopefully their eventual success. Purlie Victorious is very highly recommended for its interesting and progressive message. (black & white, 100 minutes)
"
Purlie was Victorious
Francine A. Williams | Willingboro, NJ | 03/26/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This movie reminds me how much I love Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis. They really do compliment each other with their acting as well as their relationship. She was the Ying to his Yang."
Great
Iowa | Iowa City | 01/12/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"The dvd of Purlie Victorious was like being at the play again forty years latter. The quility was very good. I am glad I took the chance."
Brilliant Black comedy
lanoie | drummondvillesucks | 02/25/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Purlie Victorious stars screenplay author Ossie Davis as a preacher who comes back home to scheme five hundred dollars away from ol' Massa Cotchipee (Sorrell Booke of Dukes Of Hazard) so he can start his own church. He gets an assist from Cotchipee's liberal son, Alan Alda in his plan to free his people through the word of the Lord. It may not sound funny but this is a great comedy.