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"SOUNDER"-- A STORY THAT STILL SPEAKS
I remember the first time I saw the movie "Sounder"--back in 1972, when it first came out--at a downtown Los Angeles theater with my older brothers.
I was just a 11-years-old but watching that powerful story unfold on screen left a lasting impression.
I was captivated by the powerful performances of the late, great Cicely Tyson and Paul Winfield, and especially 12-years-old Kevin Hooks, who made his big-screen debut in the movie as their eldest son.
Kevin's real-life brother, Eric also stars in the film, along with Yvonne Jarrell, who plays their sister.
The movie is directed by Martin Ritt ("Stanley & Iris") and adapted by Lonne Elder III from the 1969 novel by William H. Armstrong.
"Sounder" tells the story of the Morgan family, African-American sharecroppers in 1930s Louisiana, as they navigate the crushing realities of poverty, racism, and injustice during the Great Depression. Despite the bleak circumstances, the film centers on themes of family, love, and perseverance.
"Sounder" was groundbreaking not only for its moving story, but also for its historical significance. It was the first film to earn both "Best Actor" and "Best Actress" Oscar nominations for Black performers, with Winfield and Tyson recognized for their heartfelt roles. Hooks garnered a Golden Globe nomination for "Most Promising Newcomer." Hooks has since become a success at directing, writing and producing a host of TV shows ("This is Us,") and movies ("Passenger 57").
While there isn't a bad performance to be found in "Sounder," Winfield sure commands the screen as Nathan Lee Morgan, a stern yet loving father and husband doing everything he can to provide for his family including their beloved and loyal hunting dog, Sounder. But times are tough. When Nathan Lee is arrested and sent to a labor camp for stealing a ham to feed his starving kids his absence places an emotional burden on his wife, Rebecca (played remarkably by Tyson), and the children especially David Lee (an excellent Kevin Hooks) who is thrust into being the "man of the house."
As the family grapples with hardship and uncertainty, the book-smart David Lee embarks on a transformative journey, clinging to the hope that his father will one day return.
While attempting to visit his old man, David Lee stumbles upon a rural schoolhouse filled with Black children and led by a compassionate Black teacher named Camille Johnson, portrayed by the late and talented Janet MacLachlan ("The Thirteenth Floor").
The students warmly welcome David Lee, and Mrs. Johnson is impressed by his curiosity and eagerness to learn. She offers David Lee books by African-American authors, including the work of W.E.B. Du Bois. She encourages him to return, recognizing his potential and hunger for knowledge.
But can David Lee bear to leave his family behind? It's a difficult decision and one filled with inner conflict that adds to the emotional layers of the film.
The other notable supporting performances in "Sounder" come from Carmen Matthews (TV's "The Last Best Year,"--1990) who is quietly compelling as Mrs. Boatwright, the kind-hearted white woman who pays Rebecca to do laundry and offers the children books and a bit of money.
On the other end of the spectrum is James Best ("The Sweeter Side of Life," 2013), who brings grit to the role of Sheriff Young, a hard-nosed lawman with little sympathy for the Morgans' plight.
Over the years, I've watched "Sounder" more than a dozen times, and with each viewing, I've grown to appreciate it even more--especially its stirring music, composed by legendary bluesman Taj Mahal, who also appears in the film as the Morgan family's close friend, Ike.
Mahal's evocative score earned both BAFTA and Grammy nominations and it remains a standout element of the movie.
Today, the 83-year-old musician continues to tour (SFJAZZ) and collaborate with some of the music industry's finest talents. Mahal also lends his unmistakable voice to commercials and other creative projects.
There really is a lot to like about "Sounder" which is why it is N2Entertainment.net's Old School Video Pick. It's more than just a movie from the past. It is a timeless reminder of the power of storytelling and how it can reveal hard truths and still inspire change.
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