Classic Cinema Spotlight: Claudine (1974)

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Claudine 1974, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones

When I first heard about Claudine (1974) I didn't know what to expect. Seventies films have a tendency to be gritty, have heightened realism, and are not shy about subjects like sex, politics, religions, death, etc. It is one of the reasons why I enjoy films from the 1970's. There is a underlined in-your-face approach to most films of that decade and as a New Yorker I appreciate how these films keep it real.

Claudine did not disappoint. The film follows the life of Claudine Price who is a single mother of six children who depends on welfare in order to help her take care of her kids. She is loving yet strict,  vulnerable yet strong, and forges through life with dignity and grace. I have never seen Diahann Carroll in a film before this movie and her performance was so honest that I was glued to my tv screen.

Despite working as a maid Claudine cannot make ends meet so she lies about not being employed so she can supplement her poorly check with welfare support. While at work one day she meets a garbage man by the name of Rupert "Roop" B. Marshall played by James Earl Jones. He notices her, she notices him, he openly declares that she is a foxy chick, and she openly accepts his invitation to go on a date. Despite Claudine's dating and marriage history she has become a realist when it comes to relationships. Yet she approaches her date with Roop with openness and with eagerness to connect with another person.

Throughout the film we see Claudine's and a Roop's relationship blossom. We also see more of Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones than I would have ever imagined. Then Claudine quickly introduces her children to Roop but things get complicated when it comes to her children's extracurricular activities, the welfare worker checking in on them, and the idea of Roop taking on the responsibility of an entire family. All of this proves to be too much for Roop and he begins to step away from the relationship. Claudine takes on all of these challenges in a way that makes sense for her, with honesty and hope.

I didn't expect the ending that this film delivered but it was an absolute joy to watch. I have even more respect for Carroll and Jones as actors and really want to watch more of their work. This film told the story about a single, black mother and her journey to find her own happiness in a beautiful and realistic way.

A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Claudine 1974, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Claudine 1974, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Claudine 1974, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Claudine 1974, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones
A Vintage Nerd, Vintage Blog, Classic Movie Blog, Claudine 1974, Diahann Carroll, James Earl Jones

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