I've heard on and off for about twelve years or more now that a Bessie Smith movie was in the works. Bessie was one of the more fascinating and outspoken of the 20s blues singers, so I don't know what the hold up is. It had gone through several stages of development but was (obviously) never lensed. At one point in time, Bruce Willis was attached to star in some role, and I also remember hearing many years ago that Niki Haris was considered for the role of Bessie herself.

Two years ago, HBO was set to produce a biopic with none other than Queen Latifah set to star. I wish this would have happened, and I don't know if it's ever going to be filmed. I do know that Latifah would have been brilliant casting! Not only does she look and sound a lot like her, she's also similarly forthright and outspoken. Well, Bessie copped to liking womenkind...maybe Latifah will someday.

I think the Queen would tear this role up! ,,I can hear her now: "Bring me a beer and a pigfoot!". I really hope this movie gets made. Bessie went thru some serious shit in her life.

RipHer2Shreds said:

Bessie Smith was soooo far ahead of her time. She was more outspoken in the 20s than most people in the present day. An immense talent that took no shit and lived life according to her own rules. I have a great deal of respect for her.

I just hope they don't whitewash a film about her life because I don't know if I could stomach that...If they chose to sanitize it for entertainment purposes I would prefer they left it alone.
[Edited 5/25/05 16:48pm]

DorothyParkerWasCool said:

I would guess, should they ever get around to making a film about her, that they wouldn't nice it up. She was known for her antics almost as much as she was for her music. Mama didn't take no mess!