Purlie (1981)

Director: Rudi Goldman

Purlie is a musical based on Ossie Davis' 1961 play Purlie Victorious. In the early days of the civil rights movement, a Southern plantation owner holds his sharecroppers in virtual slavery. Purlie comes home as a preacher who will shake things up and bring freedom to his people. This 1981 television adaptation won a CableACE Award.

Cast

Robert Guillaume

Purlie

Melba Moore

Lutiebelle

Sherman Hemsley

Gitlow

Linda Hopkins

Sister Hopkins

Rhetta Hughes

Missy

Brandon Maggart

Ol' Cap'n

Don Scardino

Charlie

Clarice Taylor

Idella

Loretta Abbott

Ensemble

Brenda Braxton

Ensemble