The Josephine Baker Story
(1991)

Director: Brian Gibson

Key Cast: Lynn Whitfield, Louis Gossett, David Dukes, Ruben Blades, Craig T. Nelson, Kene Holliday, Vivian Bonnell, Mayah McCoy, Ainslie Currie, Gail O’Grady, Robert Lesser

Rating: R

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Music

Outrageous, shocking, sensational – Josephine Baker (Lynn Whitfield) was born poor, but achieved fame and fortune through her sizzlingly exotic and erotic performances.  Starting life on the American Vaudeville circuit, success takes Josephine to Paris where her semi-nude dancing causes and international sensation. 

Through her marriages to an Italian pseudo-count (Ruben Blades) and orchestra leader (David Dukes), and her bond with army officer Sidney Williams (Louis Gossett, Jr.), Josephine’s life is a roller coaster ride of love and rejection from both her lovers and her country. 

But semi-nude, or head-to-toe in sequins; in battle fatigues or rags – her beauty and ambition ensured that Josephine Baker will always be remembered as the first, and possibly most loved, truly international star.

∙  While filming "The Josephine Baker Story" actress Lynn Whitfield and the director Brian Gibson fell in love and married.

∙  "The Josephine Baker Story" was filmed entirely on location in Budapest.

∙  The director of this movie, Brian Gibson, also directed What’s Love Got to Do With It, another Top 100 BlackClassicMovies.com film.

∙  Lynn Whitfield won a 1993 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Television Movie for her portrayal of Josephine Baker.

∙  Won five 1991 Emmy Awards:  Outstanding Lead Actress (Lynn Whitfield), Outstanding Directing (Brian Gibson), Outstanding Costume Design, Outstanding Costume Direction, Outstanding Hairstyling.

∙  Nominated for seven additional 1991 Emmy Awards:  Outstanding Drama/Comedy Special and Miniseries, Outstanding Supporting Actor (Ruben Blades),  Outstanding Supporting Actor (David Dukes), Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction, Outstanding  Achievement in Choreography, and Outstanding Achievement in Makeup.

∙  Louis Gossett, Jr. won a 1992 Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor.

∙  Also nominated for two additional 1992 Golden Globe Awards:  Best Actress (Lynn Whitfield) and Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made-for-TV.

Buy The Josephine Baker Movie DVD
"The Josephine Baker Story" tells the provocative
life story of performer Josephine Baker.

Lynn Whitfield's outstanding performance in this
film earned her an Emmy and NAACP Image
Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress.

 
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The Josephine Baker Story Movie Poster
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