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Poster for Bessie

Bessie

Survival began with a song

  • Movie
  • 2015
  • 1h 47m

Directed by Dee Rees

6.4

TMDB audience rating
6.4 out of 10 from 133 votes

Where to watch Trailer

Overview

The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.

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Official offers in the United States

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Trailer

Play trailer: Bessie: Trailer (HBO Films)

Official video hosted on YouTube. The player loads only when you press play.

Cast and crew

  • Queen Latifah

    Queen LatifahBessie Smith

  • Mo'Nique

    Mo'NiqueMa Rainey

  • Mike Epps

    Mike EppsRichard

  • Tika Sumpter

    Tika SumpterLucille

  • Michael Kenneth Williams

    Michael Kenneth WilliamsJack Gee

  • Charles S. Dutton

    Charles S. DuttonWilliam 'Pa' Rainey

  • Bryan Greenberg

    Bryan GreenbergJohn Hammond

  • Oliver Platt

    Oliver PlattCarl Van Vechten

  • Khandi Alexander

    Khandi AlexanderViola

  • Tory Kittles

    Tory KittlesClarence

  • Kamryn JohnsonYoung Bessie

  • Rikki McKinneyChorus Guy

  • Alan T. ColemanStagehand

  • Clay Chappell'81' Theatre Owner

  • Sharan C. MansfieldMiss Taylor

  • Neko Parham

    Neko ParhamRehearsal Director

  • Onira Tarés

    Onira TarésChorus Girl

  • Jhoni Davis

    Jhoni DavisChorus Girl

Director
Dee Rees
Writer
Dee Rees, Bettina Gilois and Horton Foote
Music
Rachel Portman
Cinematography
Jeffrey Jur