The character Walter Lee is a man driven to the edge of insanity by the prospect of seeing his dream slip right through his fingers.

A dream that he thinks is his only way up. Sidney Poitier, who is the finest, most natural actor I have ever seen, plays this part flawlessly.

Ruby Dee, Diane Sands, and Claudia McNeil also strike stunning, emotional performances as the family members dealing with not only Walter Lee's downward spiral, but also with their own issues and inner turmoil.

In keeping with its origins, the cinematography of the movie retains many aspects of a play, and is thus unlike modern movies that cater to the growing attention deficit of our society. However, the content and fine performances will capture your attention, regardless of what you are now used to seeing. The turmoil will be familiar to many people. The conflicts brought up here are classic social conditions experienced by many different types of people all around the world... whether it is due to skin color, religion, money or other class distinction.

For this reason, I feel this movie will strike a cord with people from many different backgrounds.

Starring: Sidney Poitier, Ruby Dee, Claudia McNeil

Director: Daniel Petrie

Format: VHS & DVD

Color: Black & White