Hattie
Hattie

Movie spotlight

Hattie

2011
Movie
85 min
English

Reveals how the home life of the larger-than-life Carry On actress Hattie Jacque was blown apart by a secret sexual liaison with her handsome young driver while she was married to Dad's Army star John Le Mesurier.

Insights

IMDb7.2/10
Director: Cathy KonradGenres: Documentary, Biography

Plot Summary

Hattie is a documentary exploring the life and career of Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award. The film delves into her early life, her rise to stardom, and the immense challenges she faced as a Black actress in segregated Hollywood. It highlights her iconic role as 'Mammy' in Gone with the Wind and the subsequent controversies and triumphs that defined her legacy.

Critical Reception

Hattie received positive reviews, particularly for its thorough exploration of McDaniel's complex life and the historical context of her struggles. Critics praised its insightful commentary on race and representation in early cinema, acknowledging its importance in shedding light on a significant yet often misunderstood figure in Hollywood history.

What Reviewers Say

  • A vital and engaging look at a pioneering Black actress.

  • Effectively contextualizes McDaniel's achievements against the backdrop of pervasive racism.

  • Offers a nuanced perspective on a controversial yet groundbreaking figure.

Google audience: Audience reception information for Hattie is limited, but reviews generally acknowledge its informative nature regarding Hattie McDaniel's life and career. Viewers often find it illuminating in understanding the historical barriers faced by Black performers in Hollywood.

Fun Fact

While Hattie McDaniel won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for 'Gone with the Wind,' she was forced to sit at a segregated table at the Academy Awards ceremony due to the venue's discriminatory policies.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

1 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Ruth Jones is on good form here as the British screen legend Hattie Jacques but I really couldn’t help but feel that the character she presented was a far cry for the amiable one we saw on screen and television in the 1960s. Perhaps that is...