The last hazy days of summer are behind us and this is the last weekend to catch a summer flick at the theather.  I have to admit Magic Mike and Madagascar 3 were the only films I saw this summer. Kind of a weird combination, I know.  I am longing for a sultry, sexy Black romantic film. So I began reminiscing about those movies of the past that exemplified the beauty and complexity of love between a Black man and woman.  Here are a few.

Love Jones.  When Nina and Darius finally get together the screen was on fire. But when Darius uttered those words, "fuck your man I ain't worried about him."  I melted.

Brother to the Night (A Blues for Nina)

Mahogany. Before there was Denzel or Idris Elba,  Billy Dee Williams was the chocolate sex symbol that made all the women swoon.  His movies with the ultimate diva, Diana Ross are classic black films that captured the hearts of many black girls who had not seen the likes of that brown chemistry before.  Mahogany and Lady Sings the Blues, the Billie Holiday, biopic, were sexy, dark and unforgettable. Mahogany had some over the top scenes but when Billy Dee and Diana Ross shared the screen the moments were timeless. The young politician and the fashion designer/model were a sensual dynamic duo. Those words Billy Dee uttered still ring true, "success is nothing without someone you love to share it with!



Mahogany 1975



Claudine.  A garbage man and a maid who is trying to raise her six children meet and fall in love.  Sounds cliche or possibly exploitative, but Diahann Carroll and James Earl Jones' performances squash all that.  Finding love in the concrete jungle of Harlem can be a struggle but when you discover it, it is definitely worth while.