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Poster for Memphis

2011 | 165 min | Music

Monday Morning Maybeearly rating

Why it’s a Monday Morning Maybe

With almost no lasting buzz and soft box office, this one could be a tough watch. Keep your phone handy.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
A natural pick for music lovers. The music is woven into the story, not just laid on top. Liked Cabaret or The Muppet Christmas Carol? This is a good next one.
The mood
Easygoing.
The pace
A big, patient story, at 2 hr 45 min.
What might put you off
It's long: 2 hr 45 min.

Memphis is set in the places where rock and roll was born in the 1950s: the seedy nightclubs, radio stations and recording studios of the musically-rich Tennessee city. With an original score, it tells the fictional story of DJ Huey Calhoun, a good ole' local boy with a passion for R&B music and Felicia Farrell, an up-and-coming black singer that he meets one fateful night on Beale Street. Despite the objections of their loved ones (Huey's close-minded mama and Felicia's cautious brother, a club owner), they embark on a dangerous affair. As their careers rise, the relationship is challenged by personal ambition and the pressures of an outside world unable to accept their love. Originally shown in select theatres, then broadcast as an episode of the PBS series "Great Performances" (season 39, episode 11).

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerBelow par

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 979 people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Don Roy King

  • Chad KimballHuey Calhoun
  • Montego GloverFelicia Farrell
  • Derrick BaskinGator
  • J. Bernard CallowayDelray Jones
  • James Monroe IglehartBobby
  • Michael McGrathMr. Simmons
  • Cass MorganGladys Calhoun
  • Jennifer AllenClara/White Mother/Ensemble
  • Brad BassPerry Como/Frank Dryer/Ensemble
  • Tracee BeazerSomeday Backup Singer/Ensemble