Cabin in the Sky (1943)

Cabin in the Sky

“It’s a mixed bag, and a bit of a mixed blessing. As a musical, it could have used a few more sequences in which its characters broke out into song and dance. As a film about black culture, it could have used more authentic gospel standards and folk songs. As a film about race, it could have dealt less with stereotypes and broadened a bit more outside of its morality play and fable-like structure.

But it was made in 1943, and at the time the very existence of this film was radical enough. So maybe, I shouldn’t be so hard on it. Because what’s good in this film is great and some of it ranks amongst Minnelli’s best musical work. Lena Horne sizzling up the screen alone is enough for me to give this film a recommendation, even if she is underutilized.

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Directorial Debuts (83 movies items)

"Vincente Minnelli"