Description
Based on the popular Broadway play, Purlie Victorious is the story of a black preacher (award-winning stage and screen actor, Ossie Davis), who returns home to rural Georgia to claim an inheritance and bring down Ol' Cap'n Stonewall Jackson Cotchipee (Sorrell Booke, The Dukes of Hazzard), the ruthless plantation owner that he once served. Accompanying Purlie is Miss Lutiebelle Jenkins (Ruby Dee), a pretty young girl who has captured his heart. Purlie persuades her to convince Cotchipee that she is the long-lost relative entitled to the family inheritance. But, the plot goes awry and Purlie must hide to escape the old man's wrath. He finds a surprise ally in Cotchipee's son, Charlie (award-winning actor, Alan Alda, in his first film role), a progressive Southern gentleman who takes matters into his own hands, eventually helping Purlie emerge victorious. While played with comedic effect, Purlie Victorious reflects the powerful themes of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. The movie also stars Godfrey M. Cambridge, Hilda Haynes, Beah Richards, Charles Welch and Ralph Roberts.

CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.5 based on 11 reviews)

Purlie Victorious

Rebben Purlie (Ossie Davis) concocts a plan to get a $500 inheritance from Captain Stonewall Jackson Cotchipee, so the good rebben can buy the Bethel Church. The cast includes naive country belle Lutiebelle GussieMae Jenkins - expertly played by Ruby Dee, stodgy Captain Cotchipee - fabulously portrayed by Sorrell Booke (of Dukes of Hazzard fame) and passive peacemaker Charlie Cotchipee - brought to life by a young Alan Alda, whose country accent kept me in stitches.

The cast is rounded out with Godfrey Cambridge and Hilda Haynes, who play Gitlow and Missy Judson, relatives of Rebben Purlie and the always superb Beah Richards as Idella, the Captain's cook. Even with this great cast, this is really Davis' film and he carries it with a charm and style that is second to none.

This film is highly entertaining! It is about the old south, so if you're offended by stereotypical characters and language, then this may not be for you. I'm glad I have it in my collection.
December 17, 2008

Charming adaptation of a stage masterpiece!

I first came across this film version of "Pulie Victorious" back in 1998 when I was cast in a local production of the play (I played Charlie Cotchipee, the role played by Alan Alda in this film.) The wonderful thing about this picture, is that it stays true to it's stage roots. After the opening scene, a rousing sermon, the walls of the church open up to reveal a road, on which Lutiebelle and Purlie begin their journey. This is very like how such a transition would be handled on stage! One can really imagine people standing up in their seats and cheering this film in the theatre! Our director, the late Bob Ingram, was a gem to introduce us to the film, and I hope you will take this rare chance, this isn't a movie you see on the shelf at Blockbuster! Funny, heartwarming and puts a fire in your belly to want to change the world!
September 15, 2008

Good Movie

Very good movie of Purlie Victorious.I am looking forward to having the 1981 musical version of Purlie on DVD when it comes out.
April 08, 2008

An Unqualified Classic!!!

Actually, I have yet to see a live version with Ossie & Ruby but read the play years ago. I can't wait to see it realized especially with the original author, Ossie Davis, playing Purlie. I did see a version with Melba Moore playing Lutiebelle which was quite good - but Ossie Davis & Ruby Dee are, in my humble opinion, the quintessential First Couple in African-American theatre - any chance to see them perform together is always a treat. Even as a read, the play is quite hilarious and it works all the more imagining such talent as Ossie & Ruby realizing the roles. As a matter of fact, I read "Purlie Victorious" and 'Day of Absence" by Douglas Turner Ward, another excellent example of black theatre, together - they complement each other quite well as shining examples of black comedy satirizing existing racial attitudes then (hmmmm..and now..) The play is timeless, is not at ALL archaic by todays standards as many of the same issues tackled in Purlie as well as Day of Absence still exist, alas, in 2007.

But on a lighter note, owning a copy of "Purlie Victorious" performed by its auspicious author, the incomparable Ossie Davis, is simply a must for your collection.
December 13, 2007

Purlie was Victorious

This movie reminds me how much I love Ruby Dee and Ozzie Davis. They really do compliment each other with their acting as well as their relationship. She was the Ying to his Yang.
March 26, 2007

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