Josephine Baker Story [VHS]

The Josephine Baker Story, and Various, the film was very good, it really broke my heart, the acting was superb and stunning, the cinematography was equal to the great plot and acting. Various however was portraying a song and dance woman, but somehow I did not feel she was Josephine Baker……I enjoyed the film immensely, especially from a drag show perspective (I happen to think that RuPaul is extremely talented performer as a transgender entertainer), and that is what this film reminded of, a very good drag show, complete with scenes and a script and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that as RuPaul might tell you. But the Josephine Baker story, I don’t know, I think we need to rethink the script writing somehow and maybe Josephine Bakers character in the film as an African American Woman in world war two France, and when the KKK was giving African American’s in America literal hell.

After seeing this movie, I wanted to hop on the first a plane to France I could get; not really, I do speak French and have friends from France. I've never been to France, only other European nations. The lynching scene, in the beginning gave one the feeling you were in the early 1900s U.S. South; we also know, it wasn't only the South that had those scenes. This movie could be called The Josephine Baker Story, Abridged. The only husbands in the story are numbers three and four. I think there was mention of a former husband in the movie; but, when one must read closed captioned text; a lot of times, some dialogue is not displayed. There were many "gaps" in this movie - lips moving, no closed captions. Also missing were the movies she made, information about the four legal husbands, the fifth "pseudo" husband, her work for U.S. Civil Rights, work for France, and the multiple love affairs with men and women. After she lost the house, her children "went away," to where? Were they placed in separate homes? A full biography would probably be on more than one DVD.

Ever since I was 9 years old and watched the French documentary 'Chasing A Rainbow' I was emmediatly fascinated by Josephine Baker. It was like The Beatles in a way-she has one of the greatest celebrity stories in know history!And it wasn't until several years later did I realize that this movie had been made but it was an HBO exclusive and I didn't have cable.It came out on VHS and was hard to find for awhile but when it came out on DVD,I waited awhile and at the strong recommendation of a friend went for this.Considering how much I enjoyed  Introducing Dorothy Dandridge  I naturally assumed this would be at least just as good.Well 'The Josephine Baker Story' is BETTER then just as good.As noted in other reviews this film takes a look at Josephine Baker the women rather then the performer.That is covered too but Josephine (portrayed by the lovely and dynamic Lynn Whitfiend)is given a real humanity outside her larger then life persona.One thing I learned about Josephine from this was that I COULD SEE why she'd want to get out of her area of St.Louis.From the point of view of her it looked to be a terrible violent place that should've never been bestowed on anyone of any color. She dreamed of a fairy tale life and after playing the baffoon long enough in America she blissfully went to Paris along with her fellow artist and buddy Sidney Bechet.And so La Baker's assault on France begins-her and other members of Le Revue Negre' dancing in the streets of the city,her being painted and adored by many. But as her pseudo count "husband" Pepito pointed out,she needed to truly break out.So over the years,through returns to her own country she realized that the racism she'd once tried to escape needed to be dealt with and,in middle age (through her famous Rainbow Tribe and activism)she did conquer racism with a somewhat heavy handed,if well meaning fist-in her own words "If I see a roach I step on it".She did lose much perspective (and another husband in the kindly Joe Boullian) when she began to become obsessed with adopting every foundling child she heard about.As she had many times before she endured a beating to leave her chateau Les Milandes but made a triumphant comeback,slying admitting in a phone call at the premire of her final revue in 1975 that she was'nt "behind the times" as she cited Mick Jaggers presense at the revue and concluded with what sounded like a slightly altered "Josephine-ized" version of Bob Dylan's "The Times They Are-A-Changin"-it was quite a road to that from "Je Deux Amour".There are many many highlites here to mention-one being the dramatic and exciting interpretation of Josephine's performance in the (allegedly) unfilmed Le Revue' Negre',her banana dance and (my favorite) the beautifully filmed scene where a glowing Pepito (Rueban Blades) watches as a wistful young Josephine records her theme song "Je Deux Amour" in the early 1930's.As stated some things are missing but there are some poignant moments,such as a distraught Josephine learning of her inability to bare children while in the hospital in North Africa.So even though it is not a biographically flawless movie (it would've taken a MINI SERIES to put all of Josephine's amazing story) this is a must see for any fan of Josephine Baker or even the curious.Because even if you know her story to heart as I do this superbly acted and beautifully photographed movie will show you who she was while she lived her own history.One reason why we have the art of film in the first place.

After waiting years for La Diva Ross to finally bring the Josephine Baker story to the big screen, HBO upended her with this truly moving portrayal of a true American legend's story. In many ways, the screenplay pays homage to Ross' "Lady Sings the Blues" (Billie Holiday-Biopic). However, it is the stunning performance by Lynn Whitfield that ultimately satisfies. The art direction is on point, the costumes are fabulous and the music is addictive (I have searched for a soundtrack to this movie for years...to no avail). Ms. Whitfield won a well deserved Best Actress Emmy (making me still wince for Diana's efforts).Don't miss great supporting roles from Ruben Blades and the late David Dukes). It would be difficult to fully tell the story of La Baker.....but this one comes close.Time hasn't healed the fact that Diana deserved this role. One can only wonder how Diana would have dazzled in that role. I can still envisualize her star power taking this role to the next level. But, Lynn Whitfield was truly inspiring. Unfortunately, like many black actors/actresses, she has yet to have a role quite as fulfilling despite her Emmy and Golden Globe. Could Diana have won her 3rd Golden Globe nod and 2nd win, another Emmy nod and/or an NAACP Image Award? I suspect so. Diana is an international star with a marquee name that has the ability to sell movie tickets. She has already won a BAFTA (British Academy of Film Theatrical Association) and a Cesar (French Oscar for "Mahogany"). Now that it is available on Blu-Ray, I look forward to seeing how this enhances the viewing experience.

This blu-ray played ok on my UK regions only player so must be multi region. It's an interesting film but in many ways disappointing. For example, I would have liked to have seen much more about Josephine's WW2 work even if this meant seeing a lot less of her breasts, lovely as they are. Yes a fair amount of topless nudity (blink and you wouldn't miss it) which didn't really add much or anything to what Josephine's life was really all about or what she achieved. Sometimes the film seemed a bit dis-jointed and jumped through her life and perhaps what was needed was a longer film. So in my opinion a good film but not a great film.

A well made film that accurately reflects the period it portrays. Although her business judgements were often clouded by concerns of the heart, Josephine Baker was a remarkable woman who was prepared to take on the establishment in what to her were matters of principle. The film is well cast, acted and directed and is one that bears repeated viewing.

could not watch it because it's American does not work over here

It was not made clear when ordering that this was a region 1 dvd and therefore unplayable in Europe.

Good value, arrived on time.