Sparkle (1976)

Sparkle is a 1976 American musical drama film directed by Sam O'Steen. With a plot inspired by the history of 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 member faces. This film not only "recreates the magic of a special period in American history, but it explores the effect of Harlem's musical and social culture on the rest of the world", as well as the linkages to black power.
== Plot ==
The movie is a rags to riches story. It begins in Harlem, New York, in 1958, and follows the girl group, Sister and the Sisters, which is made up of three sisters: Sister, Sparkle, and Delores. Stix, Sparkle's love interest and the group's 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.
== Cast ==
* Philip M. Thomas as "Stix", manager of the girl group, Sparkle's love interest, an 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, the middle sister who gives up everything in order to find equality and freedom.
* Mary Alice as Effie Williams, mother of the sisters, encourages Sparkle 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, woman-beater.
* 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.
* Armelia McQueen as "Tune" Ann, Cousin of the Williams' sisters and church choir singer who serves as a background singer to Sparkle after the departure of Sister and Delores.
* Joyce Easton as Lee
* DeWayne Jessie as "Ham"
* Norma Miller as Doreen Baker
* Talya Ferro as Miss Taylor
* Bob Delegall as Mr. Daniels
* Don Bexley as "Bubbles"
== Reception ==
The film received generally negative reviews at the time of release and was a box office disappointment, making only $4 million against a $1 million budget. It has since developed a cult following. The film was remade in 2012 starring Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter and Whitney Houston in her final film role.
== Citation ==