Review of The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman

If it was shown in the movie theaters, this film would have easily earned an Academy Award for Cicely Tyson who is one of America's finest actresses period. She portrays Miss Jane Pittman as a 110 year old survivor and a former slave. Her performance is Tour-De-Force that it would bring tears to anybody's eyes. This film should be shown in acting classes for all aspiring actresses to see Miss Tyson's performance as brilliant. The movie is based on the Ernest Gaines novel of the same name and it's quality reminds us of the greatness that existed in network films of the past. Only a few years before Roots, this film earned 9 Emmy Awards and rightfully so including two for Tyson alone. It's heartbreaking at times as well as inspiring. I can't speak enough of this film and it should be shown again and again in classrooms and schools because it offers so much history as it is historical fiction. I can't forget the supporting cast of players including the wonderful Richard Dysart and Katherine Helmond and others who have made this film are all award winning.