5 Must-See Sidney Poitier Movies For Black History

Full disclosure here: unlike many people of color, I don't typically tune into movies that are aired annually in tribute to Black History Month.

The reason? I find far too many to be painful, poisonous and pointless. Why relive horrific events that as a society we can't or won't change? Besides, I can see the "sequel" to these oppressive films being played out every night on the 10 p.m. news. 

Don't get me wrong: I recognize the cinematic value these films hold in chronicling the history of our people and this nation. But for me, these movies are a painful reminder of the past and all the hell people of color have had to endure, overcome and overlook. 

Further, I find that categorically these stories often resurrect and fuel feelings of hatred, racism, injustice and despair. 

More specifically, watching Black folks getting hung, butchered, beaten and bamboozled is not my idea of entertainment. Sorry; to each his own.

So, I tend to be very selective in reference to my viewing options.

This being said, one Black actor's body of work that continues to inspire, inform and engage me is Sidney Poitier.  

SIDNEY POITIER AND HIS BODY OF WORK

HERE ARE SOME FAST FACTS PROVIDED BY KESQ.COM:

• Sidney Poitier was nominated for two Academy Awards and won one. Also received an honorary Oscar.

• Nominated for two Grammy Awards and won one.

• Nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.

• Grew up on Cat Island in the Bahamas. The family later moved to Nassau. His parents sent him to live with relatives in Miami at age 14. After an encounter with the Ku Klux Klan, he left Miami at age 16 and moved to New York.

• Lying about his age, he joined the Army at age 16. He feigned insanity to obtain a discharge after nine months, and later admitted the ruse in his book, “The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography.”

• A heavy Bahamian accent and limited reading ability cost him an acting job at Harlem’s American Negro Theater. He overcame the accent by imitating radio announcers and improved his reading skills by studying newspapers.

• Has dual citizenship in the United States and the Bahamas.

For additional info on Sidney Poitier and his vast contributions to the arts and entertainment read here: 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sidney_Poitier

HERE ARE MY 5 RECOMMENDED MOVIES FEATURING SIDNEY POITIER 

(in no particular order):

1. GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER

This movie stars Katherine Hepburn, Spencer Tracy and of course Sidney Poitier. Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner addresses interracial romance, classism and family dynamics in the 1960’s with grace, honesty and insight. Stellar performances add to the movie‘s appeal.  

2. A PATCH OF BLUE

Sidney Poitier, as an educated Black man befriends a blind, illiterate Caucasian, 18 year old impressionable woman, who has an abusive, prejudiced mother. Along with an array of other social challenges she must face. Film gives a different take on a love story resulting from a budding friendship.

My only issue with this movie is that the ending doesn’t provide adequate closure. Still, well worth the watch.

3. TO SIR WITH LOVE

In this classic film, American, Sidney Poitier received his degree in engineering, but cannot find gainful employment. To survive financially, he takes a job as a teacher in a rough London East End school largely attended by troublemakers who were rejected from other schools for their behavior. 

With some “tough love” Poitier ultimately wins them over and changes the trajectory of their lives.

4. A RAISIN IN THE SUN

Based off of Lorraine Hansberry’s play, this drama shares the trials, tribulations and struggles of the Youngers, an African-American family living together in an apartment in Chicago. Each with their own perspective of what happiness is. On the heels of the death of their patriarch, they try to decide what to do with the life-changing insurance payment they'll soon receive. A perfect illustration of why relatives and money often don’t mix. 

5. UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT

I love this film for two very solid reasons: it’s a fun movie to watch and it showcases Sidney’s great versatility as an actor. Includes an all-star cast: Poitier, Harry Belafonte, Bill Cosby. Here, he plays a more humorous role than in many of his films, engaging in gambling antics with his accomplice Bill Cosby, amid a “night on the town”. Will surely tickle your funny bone.

IN CONCLUSION...

For me Sidney Poitier is much more than an actor and director; during his active years, he was a standard bearer of excellence and artistic integrity. His legacy speaks volumes about Black History and our collective contributions. 

As referenced by Wikipedia: “Poitier sought to represent black actors on screen in an elegant manner in contrast to the usual image of blacks in Hollywood. During his career, he refused roles that enforced negative stereotypes, and chose to play characters who were "dignified, proud, and ethical." Critics have noted this pattern: "In all his films, [Poitier] was educated and intelligent. He spoke proper English, dressed conservatively, and had the best of table manners.”

Thoughts? What's your favorite Poitier film or portrayal?

Image credits: Pixabay.com