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The Film (Adapted from the Book in 1999)

Peabody Award Winner

The film won a Peabody Award in 1999 for "Significant and Meritorious Achievement in Broadcasting and Cable." The award was shared by the production team which included Camille Cosby and Judith Rutherford James, Producers; Lynne Littman, Director; and Amy Hill Hearth, whose role as a consultant was to make sure the film adaptation was historically accurate and in keeping with the wishes of the Delany Sisters.

The film adaptation first aired as a CBS Sunday Night Movie in April 1999. More than 22 million Americans tuned in.  

 

Official credits are as follows: 

 

Directed by:
Lynne Littman Writing Credits (WGA)

 

Sarah L. Delany: (book) and
A. Elizabeth Delany: (book) and
Amy Hill Hearth: (book)

Emily Mann: (teleplay)

 

Cast includes -

Diahann Carroll: Sadie Delany

Ruby Dee: Annie Elizabeth 'Bessie' Delany

Amy Madigan: Amy Hill Hearth

Lisa Arrindell: Sadie in her 20s (as Lisa Arrindell Anderson)
Audra McDonald: Bessie in her 20s
Mykelti Williamson: Papa Delany
Lonette McKee: Mama Delany
Richard Roundtree: Booker T. Washington
Della Reese: Martha Logan