There is not a white man in sight (but plenty behind the cameras) in this classic musical mixing black gospel, big band jazz and mainstream Broadway styles into a creaky plot. The tediously pious wife Ethel Waters prays for the repentance of her gambler husband Eddie Anderson when hes shot in a gambling den; devil Lucifer Jnr. (Rex Ingram) then supplies the alluring Lena Horne as temptation. The strong cast manage to overcome dumb racist stereotyping with terrific songs, with all the jazz musicians inexplicably on the devils team.
Cabin in the Sky Review
Petunia Jackson has been struggling to get her husband Joe to give up gambling and lead a righteous life. She appears to have finally succeeded, but when a relapse puts his life in danger he finds heaven and hell battling for his soul.
Release Date:
09 Apr 1943
Running Time:
98 minutes
Certificate:
PG
Original Title:
Cabin in the Sky
Fairly good, but hasn't aged well
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