Lady Sings the Blues
Seen it?1972 | 144 min | Drama, Music
Sunday Safe Betearly ratingWhy it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It drew serious awards attention. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. If you loved Ray or Rocketman, start here.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 2 hr 24 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: expect drug use.
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1972: an older pace and style.
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsSolid
71% on Rotten Tomatoes
- AudiencesNot counted
Not measured yet: not enough ratings
- AwardsStrong
Won 1 Golden Globe: Golden Globe Awards: Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama. Also nominated for 5 Oscars, 1 more Golden Globe and 1 BAFTA. Plus 3 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$20 million worldwide on a $2 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 62K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Sidney J. Furie
- Diana RossBillie Holiday
- Billy Dee WilliamsLouis McKay
- Richard PryorPiano Man
- James T. CallahanReg Hanley
- Paul HamptonHarry
- Sid MeltonJerry
- Virginia CapersMama Holiday
- Yvonne FairYvonne
- Isabel SanfordThe Madame
- Tracee LylesThe Prostitute