THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF MISS JANE PITTMAN (Video Release USA 1974)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.6|5.0 Starsììì

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman—a message/propaganda movie— is not based in fact. Miss Jane Pittman did, in fact, not exist. Be aware of that fact before going to see this film. Many questions arise while watching this film, most of them around the why of the film’s production and the timing of its releases.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

In this fictional story, an elderly black woman re-traces her story from the Civil War into her elderly years.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director John Korty for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Robert W. Christiansen, Rick Rosenberg, and Philip Barry Jr. for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jane Pittman (Cicely Tyson), Jimmy (Eric Brown), Master Bryant (Richard Dysart), Unc Isom (Joel Fluellen), Elbert Cluveau (Will Hare), Lady at House (Katherine Helmond), Colonel Dye (David Hooks), Mary (Elinora B. Johnson), and Job (Warren Kenner).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. The Miss Jane Pittman character comes from a book of fiction written by Ernest J. Gaines. It is presented both in the novel and in the film as non-fiction, but is, in fact, fiction. That takes away from the value of this movie and causes concerning questions about its release and the purpose of its release.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers