Judith Trojan

Love Cole Porter, but his music pretty much drowns this film, as do the garish costumes that are the worst reminder of 1980s fashions (this is Agatha Christie, so it is nowhere near the 1980s). The great Maggie Smith steals this awful show!

This is essentially a filmed play that barely steps out of the confines of a Chicago recording studio in the late Twenties. There is no backstory for the key characters and frankly, for me, it is sorely needed. If you don’t come into this with previous knowledge of August Wilson’s oeuvre or Ma Rainey’s character and career, I can’t see wide appeal for this. Outstanding acting and period costumes. A must see play, on the stage.