A Film by George T. Nierenberg.
Features: Deluxe Edition, Anniversary Edition, DVD
Say Amen, Somebody is a joy-filled celebration of Gospel, music created for the sole purpose of uplifting the human spirit. Never before has it been captured so infectiously on film."It's terrific, joyous, funny, unabashedly emotional. I've been lucky enough to see this movie three times. It's one of the happiest movies in a long, long time. There is no way that I can recommend it any more highly." --Roger Ebert, At The Movies.
"...an inspiring tribute to gospel music and to black men and women who have given it their special service and enthusiasm." Frederic & Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality & Practice
"Engaging, gospel-infused tribute...infectious rhythms of jazz and blues." Steven D. Greydanus, Decent Films Guide
Editor's Note
SAY AMEN, SOMEBODY, one of the best documentaries of the 1980s, is an exuberant portrait of gospel music that starts at the 1982 gospel music convention in St. Louis and takes off from there. The film interviews many gospel singers, including The Barrett Sisters, Sallie Martin, and The O'Neal Twins, but the focus here is on two of the music's pioneers: Thomas Dorsey and Willie Mae Ford Smith. Dorsey, who has penned many gospel standards, including "Take My Hand, Precious Lord" and "Peace in the Valley," offers many fascinating insights, but the real star of the film is Ms. Smith. A riveting speaker as well as an amazingly talented singer, the film really takes off when she filters the history of gospel music through her eyes. The anecdotes and speeches from the performers, combined with the powerful and transcendent music they make forms a film and an experience that is both incredibly moving and entertaining.
Plot Summary
A celebration of gospel music, with performances by Willie Mae Ford Smith, Thomas A. Dorsey, The Barrett Sisters and the O'Neal Twins.
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