Sparkle ( 1976 film ) - wikipedia Sparkle ( 1976 film ) Sparkle Theatrical release poster Directed by Sam O'Steen Produced by Howard Rosenman Written by Joel Schumacher Howard Rosenman Starring Irene Cara Philip M. Thomas Lonette McKee Dwan Smith Mary Alice Dorian Harewood Tony King Music by Curtis Mayfield Cinematography Bruce Surtees Edited by Gordon Scott Production company RSO Distributed by Warner Bros. Release date April 7, 1976 Running time 98 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $1 million Box office $4 million Sparkle is a 1976 American musical drama film directed by Sam O'Steen and released by Warner Bros. Pictures. Inspired by The Supremes, Sparkle is a period film set in Harlem, New York during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It presents the story of a musical girl group that ends up breaking apart due to individual issues each one faces. This film not only `` recreates the magic of a special period in American history, but it explores the impact of Harlem 's musical and social culture on the rest of the world, '' as well as the linkages to black power. The film stars Irene Cara, Philip Michael Thomas, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood, and Tony King. Curtis Mayfield served as the composer and producer of Sparkle 's songs and score. The film received generally negative reviews at the time of release and was a Box office bomb, barely making $4 million against a $1 million budget. It since received a cult following. The film was remade in 2012 starring Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, and Whitney Houston in her final film role. Contents 1 Plot synopsis 2 Cast 3 Production 3.1 Development 3.2 Casting 3.3 Filming 4 Themes 4.1 Music 4.2 Gender / Sexuality 4.3 Black Power / Blaxploitation 5 Reception 5.1 Box Office 5.2 Critical reception 6 Legacy 7 See also 8 References 9 External links Plot synopsis The movie begins in Harlem, New York in 1958, and follows the girl group, Sister and the Sisters, which is made up three sisters : Sister ( Lonette McKee ), Sparkle ( Irene Cara ), and Delores ( Dwan Smith ). Stix ( Philip Michael Thomas ), Sparkle 's love interest and the groups manager, is able to help bring the group from `` amateur nights to brief stardom before tragedy ( dope, melancholia, the wrong man ) '' ensues and the group splits. Stix gives up on his music career and leaves the city and thus breaking Sparkle 's heart. Sister is in an abusive relationship and is hung up on drugs while Delores leaves the city in pursuit of racial equality. In the end, after reconnecting after Sister 's funeral, it is only Sparkle and Stix who climb the ladder to success. In short, this is a rags to riches story. Cast Philip M. Thomas as Stix - manager of the girl group, Sparkle 's love interest, initial member of the group Irene Cara as Sparkle Williams - youngest sister who becomes the star of the trio and ultimately a solo artist Lonette McKee as Sister Williams - initial lead singer of the group, forced to leave because of her drug addiction Dwan Smith as Delores Williams - middle sister who gives up everything in order to find equality and freedom Mary Alice as Effie Williams - mother of the sisters, encourages Spakle to pursue her dreams, maid Dorian Harewood as Levi Brown - Stix 's cousin, initially was part of the group before he and Stix left, gets imprisoned Tony King as Satin Struthers - Sister 's love interest, gangster, abuser Beatrice Winde as Mrs Waters Paul Lambert as Max Gerber - Effie 's employer, connected to the mafia who wants the rights to Sparkle 's fame Joyce Easton as Lee DeWayne Jessie as Ham Norma Miller as Doreen Gerber Talya Ferro as Miss Taylor Bob Delegall as Mr Daniels Armelia McQueen as Tune Ann Don Bexley as Bubbles Production Development Lonne Elder, writer of the Academy Award nominated screenplay for Sounder drafted Sparkle, which Joel Schumacher edited to make a 200 - page basis for the film, this film would be his screenwriting debut. John Calley was running Warner Bros. at the time and said Sam O'Steen had to direct the film. He was the infamous editor of Carnal Knowledge, Rosemary 's Baby, and Chinatown. This film was Sam O'Steen's debut film as a film director and given the limited budget, he did his best to use what was available to him. The film 's story and plot were heavily inspired by the real - life singing group Diana Ross and the Supremes. Casting In addition, good casting and introducing newer faces was an important feature of the film, something that did not take too much of the budget. There were over 2,000 young ladies who auditioned for the role of Sparkle ; Irene Cara ended up with the role and was just 17 when she was cast, she would become the film 's breakout star as she went on to do films like Fame. With her other cast mates, the trio `` combine their extraordinary freshness and talent to sing to the music of Curtis Mayfield, who composed the music for the film produced by Howard Rosenman. '' None of the actors cast were big names at the time and many were newcomers, Lonette McKee actually made her feature film debut in this film. Filming Credit must also be given to cinematographer Bruce Surtees and all other technicians who worked on the film. Lester Wilson choreographed the movie, and his assistant was Michael Peters, who went on to choreograph `` Beat It '' and `` Thriller '' for Michael Jackson. Themes Music During the 1960s and 1970s, music paralleled black identity and culture. The early 1960s consisted of freedom music, a direct descendant of gospel music. This genre was aimed at building strong relationships during difficult times by connecting people. Sam Cooke and Freedom Singers are an example of these artists. The late 1960s to early 1970s consisted of soul music which tied in with historical macro events such as : Middle Civil Rights Movement, Great Society, Vietnam War, and Black Power. Soul music encourages everyone to be happy. Some influential artists during this time were James Brown, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and Stevie Wonder. Next, the mid 1970s consisted of funk music. These songs were political and group focused. Some of these artists include Earth Wind and Fire, Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament Funkadelic, Kool & The Gang, Labelle, and Chaka Khan. Finally, the middle to late 1970s consisted of disco which was essentially peppy dance music. Stand out artists include Gloria Gaynor, Sister Sledge, Diana Ross, and Donna Summer. Within these genres, there are themes of self - determination, racial pride, and having fun. Sparkle captured all these themes as it spans musical genres. All the songs were adapted to the sound of the times, making the film relevant and powerful. Aretha Franklin had a large role with the music that was featured in the film. She even has an entire album called `` Sparkle. '' The other songs in the film were written by Curtis Mayfield. The songs were a huge hit. Gender / sexuality While analyzing gender and sexuality, the Black female protagonists in this film can easily be compared to the women in ( Cleopatra Jones ) and ( Coffy ). Unlike these films, Sparkle 's protagonists do not come out on top in the same way as Cleo and Coffy do. Compared to Coffy and Cleo, these women are much more conservative in their looks and the way they convey themselves. In regards to female empowerment, their physical appearance is the only attribute they have and they use it as a tool. In other words, it is their only weapon. Coffy and Cleo both had actual guys and weapons at their disposal to use along with their physical appearance. Going off of this, the sisters are much weaker when looking at female empowerment, especially when there is Coffy and Cleo in the picture. It is interesting how in Jacquie Jones piece, Construction of Black Sexuality, `` the Black male character, as defined through his sexual behavior, is not able to overcome the problematic of domination which begins with a denial of dependency. Instead, the Black male character can only define himself through violent separateness '' ( 250 ). One very disturbing scene in the film was when Sister and her boyfriend Satin are lying together on a bed. To get a coat, Satin tells sister she has to crawl. Sister does not think he is serious, so he angrily says it again. Satin then begins to brutally punch Sister. When Sister goes to her next performance, her other sisters realize that she has been beaten by Satin. They encourage her to leave him but she just brushes off the violence as it is no big deal ; she believes she can just cover up the bruises with makeup and it will be better. Darlene Clark Hine Shining Thread of Hope brought up the fact that after women joined the Black Power movements, men felt lesser of themselves as they could not protect and support their families. Hine states that `` The Black Power movement reacted to this reality with an extreme emphasis on masculinity and an expectation that women would assume traditional female roles as a way of supporting black manhood. And yet, women in these organizations actually managed to make greater progress in some ways than they had in more traditional civil rights groups '' ( 298 ). The reading also addresses 1976 as a time when things started to change in regards to sexual harassment being a crime. This all relates to black women and their position of power. `` The terrible reality of their oppression by men of their own color (... ) was personal and political dynamite '' ( 302 ). Bringing this all together, Satin might have felt dominated by Sister and her success / potential success. It is unfortunate that Sister decides to brush it off but this goes with how she did not want to `` light the fuse '' of oppression by black men on black women. `` Blaxploitation films are notable for the ways they frequently situate `` normative '' black male identity amongst a variety of ideological `` others '' ( women, homosexuals, other ethnicities ) whose presence can not simply be seen to solidify black manhood. '' Black Power / Blaxploitation The 1970s and the Women 's Movement provide context for Black films like Sparkle. During this time, Title IX was instated and provided scholarships for female college athletes. In addition, the Equal Rights Amendment of 1972 was a victory for women 's suffrage that helped build a dialogue for black women and black women in films. Drugs, the Mafia, self - determination, and the ghetto are all apparent themes in Sparkle. Black Power in Sparkle is interesting in that there are no positive black male figures in the film. Every man is using women for things like sex, success, and their own selfish reasons. At one point, Jones even addresses black male sexuality and how they assume the role of a white man to achieve power over women. Going off of this, whites in this film are on the periphery and the focus is on the inner struggle between blacks. An example of this is the relationship between Sister and her boyfriend. Satin is an abusive man towards Sister who is involved with drugs and the Mafia. He is the source for all of Sisters ' struggles as he pushes her into doing drugs and making her feel helpless as he beats her time and time again. Delores is an example of self - determination as she sees her sister Sister struggling, which makes her realize that she needs to leave town and do things for herself. She is strong and independent enough to pick everything up and leave town, striving for a decent future. According to the Senior Vice President of Programming for IFC and Bravo, Frances Berwick, `` Blaxploitation films were some of the most experimental and daring films to come out of both the independent film scene and the studio system, ( and ) is one of the most ignored and under - appreciated. '' Blaxploitation includes several sub-types, musical being one of them, and where Sparkle fits in. Reception Box office Sparkle was domestically released on April 7, 1976 with a running time of 98 minutes. The film was unsuccessful at the box office grossing merely $4 million against a $1 million production budget. Critical reception The film received mostly negative views from critics, currently holding a 13 % approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Variety stated that the general impression is, `` somewhere along the line, there was made a decision to cheat - to attempt an honest ghetto drama, but not enough to really go all the way into the characters ; to keep the exploitive elements of casual dope and sex, but jump ahead to the convenient tragic results which can be seen on any tv feature ; to explore the seedier side of the music business, but not enough to ever get beyond the titillations of pulp storytelling. '' Richard Eder says the film is a predictable sob story and that the main themes of the story are serious enough and credible. Dave Kehr stated that the film was `` ( a ) hackneyed, ho - hum 1976 feature about a black girl group, clearly modeled on the Supremes. '' FilmFour stated that `` ( as ) drab as it is, Sparkle 's worth renting for Lorette McKee 's performance and the cast renditions of Mayfield 's songs. But if you 're going to buy anything it should be the soundtrack album. '' However, The Onion 's AV Club gave it a B - grade, calling it `` a rags - to - riches story that does n't miss a stop along the well - trod ghetto - to - musical - charts path, but makes its journey with tuneful conviction. '' Legacy Of the people who appeared in the movie, Irene Cara became the film 's breakout star : she went on to record many chart topping singles. Lonette McKee went on to other TV and film appearances with Richard Pryor, including playing Denzel Washington 's on screen mother in Malcolm X, and Dorian Harewood and Philip Michael Thomas did more TV and film appearances. Thomas would be famous as Ricardo Tubbs on the TV show Miami Vice. Sparkle was previewed by an appreciative audience in Baltimore in March. The crowd of 1300 is said to have applauded, screamed and displayed loud attestation to their feelings that it was good movie. Yes, this film had all the elements for a Blaxploitation film however, it was not a typical one. Sparkle illustrates `` that based on the nature, dignity, interests and ideals of man even blacks from the ghetto are capable of self - fulfillment and ehtical conduct without recourse to supernaturalism ; in this case the super-stud, super-chick theory that is so common in the movies made primarily for the black movie goers today. '' Sparkle went on to become a cult - classic among African - American audiences, and was remade in 2012 as a Tri-Star Pictures release starring Jordin Sparks and Whitney Houston. Directed by Salim and Mara Brock Akil and produced by Stage 6 Films, the film, despite once again receiving mixed to negative reviews, was considered by some to be an improvement from this film. Sparks, Houston, and Mike Epps were all praised individually for their performances. The remake also brought new different aspects to the story and enhanced the drama of the film. For example, Epps who plays the evil Satin was turned into a comedian instead of a gangster. Ultimately, the writing and performances were captivating and multidimensional. In regards to the music, R. Kelly wrote several new songs to complement the original Curtis Mayfield songs. This film was released later than anticipated, due to the sudden death of Houston. This film was a huge comeback for Houston in the industry. Irene Cara had met Houston a couple of times. She said, `` '' I remember seeing her mother, Cissy, when I was little, (... ) I remember seeing her sing in New York. They were doing a tribute to Burt Bacharach. When Whitney came on to the scene, every time I saw her I saw a little bit of her mother in her. '' Cara wanted to attend the premiere of the film, but was not able due to a recent foot surgery. See also Book : Sparkle Sparkle ( Aretha Franklin album ) Sparkle ( 2012 film ) Dreamgirls ( 2006 film ), another musical that was heavily influenced by Diana Ross and the Supremes. References Jump up ^ `` Excitement and Glitter of the Mid-50's : Sparkle '' ( 6 ). Seattle Skanner. The Skanner ( 1975 - 1988 ). Nov 18, 1976. Jump up ^ Ken Anderson. `` DREAMS ARE WHAT LE CINEMA IS FOR... ''. Jump up ^ McKinnon, George ( April 10, 1976 ). `` Mayfield tunes lend polish to Sparkle ''. The Boston Globe. access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ Rosenman, Howard ( 13 February 2012 ). `` The Saga of Whitney Houston 's Last Movie, ' Sparkle ' ''. The Daily Beast. Jump up ^ `` '' Sparkle '' Film Has Female Trio Sparkling ``. Los Angeles Sentinel ( 1934 - 2005 ). May 20, 1976. Jump up ^ `` Sparkle ( Color ) ''. Variety. April 7, 1976. access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ Rosenman, Howard ( 13 February 2012 ). `` The Saga of Whitney Houston 's Last Movie, ' Sparkle ' ''. The Daily Beast. Jump up ^ Diawara, ed. by Manthia ( 1993 ). Black American cinema. New York : Routledge. pp. 247 -- 256. ISBN 978 - 0415903974. CS1 maint : Extra text : authors list ( link ) Jump up ^ Hine, Darlene Clark ; Thompson, Kathleen ( 1999 ). A shining thread of hope the history of Black women in America ( 1. paperback ed. ). New York : Broadway Books. ISBN 978 - 0767901116. Jump up ^ Wlodarz, Joe ( 2004 ). `` Beyond the Black Macho : Queer Blaxploitation ''. The Velvet Light Trap ( 53 ) : 10 -- 25. Jump up ^ Diawara, ed. by Manthia ( 1993 ). Black American cinema. New York : Routledge. ISBN 978 - 0415903974. CS1 maint : Extra text : authors list ( link ) Jump up ^ Holsey, Steve ( Aug 7, 2002 ). `` The ' blaxploitation ' film era : What, if any, were its merits ? '' ( 46 ). Michigan Chronicle. access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ `` http://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Sparkle ''. www.the-numbers.com. External link in title = ( help ) Jump up ^ `` Sparkle ( Color ) ''. Variety. April 7, 1976. access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ Eder, Richard ( Apr 8, 1976 ). `` ' Sparkle, ' a Sob Story With Its Moments of Force ''. New York Times Company. Jump up ^ Martin, Sherry ( Jun 12, 1976 ). `` Sherry Martin : ' Sparkle ' comes to Memphis '' ( 22 ). Tri - State Defender. access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ Martin, Sherry ( Jun 12, 1976 ). `` Sherry Martin : ' Sparkle ' comes to Memphis '' ( 22 ). Tri - State Defender. access - date = requires url = ( help ) Jump up ^ Rosenman, Howard ( 13 February 2012 ). `` The Saga of Whitney Houston 's Last Movie, ' Sparkle ' ''. The Daily Beast. Jump up ^ King, Susan ( 19 August 2012 ). `` Irene Cara feels the glow from ' Sparkle ' ''. Los Angeles Times. External links Sparkle on IMDb Sparkle at the TCM Movie Database Sparkle at AllMovie Sparkle 1976 film 1976 soundtrack 2012 film 2012 soundtrack `` Something He Can Feel '' The Supremes Diana Ross Florence Ballard Mary Wilson Barbara Martin Cindy Birdsong Jean Terrell Lynda Laurence Scherrie Payne Susaye Greene Betty McGlown Studio albums Meet The Supremes ( 1962 ) Where Did Our Love Go ( 1964 ) More Hits by The Supremes ( 1965 ) I Hear a Symphony ( 1966 ) The Supremes A ' Go - Go ( 1966 ) The Supremes Sing Holland -- Dozier -- Holland ( 1967 ) Reflections ( 1968 ) Love Child ( 1968 ) Let the Sunshine In ( 1969 ) Cream of the Crop ( 1969 ) Right On ( 1970 ) New Ways but Love Stays ( 1970 ) Touch ( 1971 ) Floy Joy ( 1972 ) The Supremes Produced and Arranged by Jimmy Webb ( 1972 ) The Supremes ( 1975 ) High Energy ( 1976 ) Mary, Scherrie & Susaye ( 1976 ) Collaborative albums Diana Ross & the Supremes Join The Temptations ( 1968 ) Together ( 1969 ) The Magnificent 7 ( 1970 ) The Return of the Magnificent Seven ( 1971 ) Dynamite ( 1971 ) Live albums The Supremes at the Copa ( 1965 ) Live at London 's Talk of the Town ( 1968 ) TCB ( 1968 ) On Broadway ( 1969 ) Farewell ( 1970 ) The Supremes Live ! In Japan ( 1973 ) Other albums A Bit of Liverpool ( 1964 ) The Supremes Sing Country, Western and Pop ( 1965 ) We Remember Sam Cooke ( 1965 ) Merry Christmas ( 1965 ) The Supremes Sing Rodgers & Hart ( 1967 ) Diana Ross & the Supremes Sing and Perform `` Funny Girl '' ( 1968 ) Singles `` Tears of Sorrow '' ( as The Primettes ) `` I Want a Guy '' `` Buttered Popcorn '' `` Your Heart Belongs to Me '' `` Let Me Go the Right Way '' `` My Heart Ca n't Take It No More '' `` A Breathtaking Guy '' `` When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes '' `` Run, Run, Run '' `` Where Did Our Love Go '' `` Baby Love '' `` Come See About Me '' `` Stop ! In the Name of Love '' `` Back in My Arms Again '' `` The Only Time I 'm Happy '' `` Nothing but Heartaches '' `` Things Are Changing '' `` I Hear a Symphony '' `` Children 's Christmas Song '' `` My World Is Empty Without You '' `` Love Is Like an Itching in My Heart '' `` You Ca n't Hurry Love '' `` You Keep Me Hangin ' On '' `` Love Is Here and Now You 're Gone '' `` The Happening '' `` Reflections '' `` In and Out of Love '' `` Forever Came Today '' `` Some Things You Never Get Used To '' `` Love Child '' `` I 'm Gonna Make You Love Me '' `` I 'm Livin ' in Shame '' `` I 'll Try Something New '' `` The Composer '' `` No Matter What Sign You Are '' `` The Weight '' `` I Second That Emotion '' `` Someday We 'll Be Together '' `` Why ( Must We Fall in Love ) '' `` Up the Ladder to the Roof '' `` Everybody 's Got the Right to Love '' `` Stoned Love '' `` River Deep -- Mountain High '' `` Nathan Jones '' `` You Gotta Have Love in Your Heart '' `` Touch '' `` Floy Joy '' `` Automatically Sunshine '' `` Without the One You Love '' `` Your Wonderful, Sweet Sweet Love '' `` I Guess I 'll Miss the Man '' `` Reach Out and Touch ( Somebody 's Hand ) '' `` Bad Weather '' `` Tossin ' and Turnin ' '' `` He 's My Man '' `` Where Do I Go from Here '' `` Early Morning Love '' `` I 'm Gonna Let My Heart Do the Walking '' `` High Energy '' `` You 're My Driving Wheel '' `` Let Yourself Go '' `` Love, I Never Knew You Could Feel So Good '' Videography T.A.M.I. Show Greatest Hits : Live in Amsterdam Reflections : The Definitive Performances ( 1964 -- 1969 ) Motown 25 : Yesterday, Today, Forever Inspired works Sparkle ( 1976 film ) Dreamgirls ( musical ) Dreamgirls ( film ) Sparkle ( 2012 film ) Related topics Discography Chronology Members FLOS Book Films directed by Sam O'Steen A Brand New Life ( 1973 ) Sparkle ( 1976 ) Look What 's Happened to Rosemary 's Baby ( 1976 ) The Best Little Girl in the World ( 1981 ) Kids Do n't Tell ( 1985 ) Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sparkle_(1976_film)&oldid=793322100 '' Categories : English - language films 1976 films Blaxploitation films American films Films about music and musicians 1970s musical films Warner Bros. films Films set in the 1950s Films set in the 1960s Films set in Harlem Screenplays by Joel Schumacher Hidden categories : Pages using citations with accessdate and no URL CS1 maint : Extra text : authors list CS1 errors : external links Use mdy dates from October 2011 Talk Contents About Wikipedia Italiano Edit links This page was last edited on 1 August 2017, at 01 : 21. 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Question: who is the 1976 movie sparkle based on
Answer: the magic of a special period in American history, but it explores the impact of Harlem's musical and social culture on the rest of the world," as well as the linkages to black power