Starring: Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Pearl Bailey
Director: Otto Preminger
A musical based on the opera by Bizet, with different words, and updated to be set in an all-black army camp, this film stars the incredible Dorothy Dandridge, one of the first black bombshells in Hollywood.
This is Dandridge’s film. A beautiful woman and excellent performer, as you can see in this film, she was quoted as saying that she would have been huge if not for her skin colour. She died very young, leaving behind her disabled daughter in a care home.
The film follows Dandrige as Carmen, a siren who could have any man, and who toys with many. But she has her heart set on Joe, a man who is engaged to someone else. In the process of seducing him, she manages to get him into all kinds of trouble, before him going AWOL from his post, but although she manages to get his heart, the film is ultimately tragic, as any of you who’ve seen the opera will know.
A sparkling, vibrant and sexy woman, Carmen sparkles and sizzles, which makes this film a true classic. But it was one of Dandridges few leading roles, as there were not many roles for black people, let alone black women in Hollywood, and racial tensions were high. Dandridges sex appeal seemed threatening in a place that still derided inter racial marriages and romance. It’s a shame for a lot of reasons, and she is a tragic, beautiful figure on the Hollywood landscape because of it. But I also find her kind of inspirational too. She had a lot of spirit. And this film showcases that, with some great musical numbers too.
See It If: if you’ve never seen a Dorothy Dandridge film before, this is definitely a must watch, and one for all you musical lovers out there.
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Dorothy Dandridge is amazing! Every time I get the email saying you have a new post I get so excited. You pick the most interesting films from all generes and decades.
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You’re so lovely! Thank you. This comment made my day!
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I have never even heard of this actress, but I was very moved by the way you have described her. Wow, she was definitely a very tragic figure. It’s sad to think that even though things certainly have changed for the better, that there is still such a thing as racism these days. Even though she truly was tragic, from the way you have described her, I also agree about the fact that she truly is very inspirational as well. Great post, love reading about movie history that I did not know about. š
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Yes, she’s wonderful and inspiring. And tragic. It’s good to talk about these figures and keep their work alive. ā¤ļø
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Another great classic. I love the films you pick.
Dorothy Dainbridge (sp?) was such an interesting actress. It’s such a shame she was born in the period she was, as she would be a mega star now.
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I know, it’s such a shame that she didn’t get her turn. But I think she did pave the way for others coming after her. She’s an important person, and that’s something.
Glad you’re enjoying them! I love movies!
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Agreed. She’s very important, and she did really pave the way along with actresses like Anna May Wong.
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