Watch Cabin in the Sky

Cabin in the Sky is a 1943 musical film directed by Vincente Minnelli and starring Ethel Waters, Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson, and Lena Horne. Set in a small southern town, the film follows the story of Little Joe (Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson), a gambler who is shot and killed by a rival gambler. As he lies dying, Little Joe is visited by both angels and devils who compete for his soul. The devils want him to go to Hell and the angels want him to go to Heaven.

The story is rooted in African American folklore, with the devils represented by the character Lucifer Jr. (played by Rex Ingram) and his minions, and the angels represented by Petunia Jackson (Ethel Waters) and her husband Joe (Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson). Petunia is a devout Christian who takes care of her gambling husband and tries to steer him away from his wicked lifestyle. However, she is constantly challenged by the devilish temptations of Lucifer Jr., who tries to lure Little Joe into a life of sin and excess.

The film features several musical numbers, including "Honey in the Honeycomb" and "Ain't it the Truth," performed by Ethel Waters and "Taking a Chance on Love" performed by Lena Horne. Waters' performance in particular is a standout, showcasing her powerful voice and commanding presence.

One of the most notable aspects of Cabin in the Sky is its cast, which featured some of the most prominent African American performers of the time. Waters and Anderson were both well-known for their work on the radio program The Amos 'n' Andy Show, while Lena Horne was one of the few African American performers to break through the color barrier in Hollywood. Despite the talent of its cast and the popularity of its musical numbers, the film was not a commercial success upon its release, due in part to the segregation laws that limited the audience for African American films.

Despite its initial lack of success, Cabin in the Sky has since become a cult classic and a significant work in African American cinema. It is notable for its portrayal of African American life and culture and for its use of folklore and mythology to explore themes of morality and redemption. In recent years, the film has been celebrated for its innovative musical performances and its representation of African American talent and culture.

Overall, Cabin in the Sky is a unique and memorable film that showcases some of the most talented African American performers of the time. Its blend of folklore, morality, and music make it a significant work in African American cinema and a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Hollywood musicals.

Cabin in the Sky is a 1943 fantasy movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 39 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.1.