Kevin Hardmon

A classic to this day. I was only 2 years when this movie was released. I came across it 50 years later, with the advent of the movie channels. I watched this movie, and immediately despised the Sarah Jane character, because of the way she treated her mother. But,. Annie Johnson (played by Juanita Moore), never lost love for her daughter. I'm a grown man, but, I freely admit, that last scene, when Sarah Jane apologized to the casket with her mother in it about how bad she treated her, got me. I defy anyone to stay dry eyed during that scene. This movie has made it into my collection, not because of Lana Turner, but because of Juanita Moore's excellent portrayal of a mother's suffering, yet continuing to persevere despite all obstacles. Her portrayal of a mother continuing to love her child, despite the child rebelling against her, spoke volumes to me. Which is why to this day, I have always respected my mama, and will call anyone onto the carpet who disrespects their mother. You love your mother, but never realize exactly how much until she is no longer here.