On Susan Farris' recommendation, I finally saw the original Sparkle (1976), directed by Sam O'Steen, who is better known as a film editor (Cool Hand Luke, The Graduate, Rosemary's Baby). I'm glad I did -- it puts the new Sparkle (2012) in better perspective. Both versions compliment each other because of their overlapping but competing realities.
The original Sparkle features most of the same characters as the new one, but they are all somewhat different, and the plot differs in certain key details, too. The setting is New York City (particularly Harlem), a little bit earlier in time than the newer version, which is set in Detroit in the 1960s. It's a little on the grittier side, also. Screenplay co-written by Joel Schumacher (The Lost Boys) and Howard Rosenman, music by Curtis Mayfield (Super Fly). Lonette McKee plays Sister and Mary Alice plays Effie, her mother.
Today's Rune: Joy.
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