Sparkle is a 1976 American musical drama film directed by Sam O'Steen and released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With a plot inspired by the history of the Supremes, Sparkle is a period film set in Harlem, New York, during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It presents the story of a musical girl group that ends up breaking apart due to individual issues each member faces. This film not only "recreates the magic of a special period in American history, but it explores the effect of Harlem's musical and social culture on the rest of the world," as well as the linkages to black power.
The film stars Irene Cara, Philip Michael Thomas, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood, and Tony King. Curtis Mayfield served as the composer and producer of Sparkles songs and score.
The film received generally negative reviews at the time of release and was a box office disappointment, making only $4 million against a $1 million budget. It has since developed a cult following. The film was remade in 2012 starring Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, and Whitney Houston in her final film role.
Plot synopsis
The movie is a rags to riches story. It begins in Harlem, New York, in 1958, and follows the girl group, Sister and the Sisters, which is made up of three sisters: Sister, Sparkle, and Delores. Stix, Sparkle's love interest and the group's manager, is able to help bring the group from "amateur nights to brief stardom before tragedy (dope, melancholia, the wrong man)" ensues and the group splits. Stix gives up on his music career and leaves the city, thus breaking Sparkle's heart. Sister is in an abusive relationship and is on drugs, while Delores leaves the city in pursuit of racial equality. In the end, after reconnecting after Sister's funeral, it is only Sparkle and Stix who climb the ladder to success.
Cast
Philip M. Thomas as "Stix" Warren, manager of the girl group, Sparkle's love interest, and an initial member of the group. Irene Cara as "Sparkle" Williams, the youngest sister, who becomes the star of the trio and ultimately a solo artist. Lonette McKee as Sister Williams, the initial lead singer of the group, who leaves to be with Satin Struthers during her drug addiction. Dwan Smith as Delores Williams, the middle sister, who gives up everything in order to find equality and freedom. Mary Alice as Effie Williams, mother of the sisters, who encourages Sparkle to pursue her dreams and works as a maid. Dorian Harewood as Levi Brown, Stix's cousin with an unrequited crush on Sister, initially was part of the group before he and Stix left; gets imprisoned after he works with Satin. Tony King as "Satin" Struthers, Sister's love interest and a woman-beating gangster. Beatrice Winde as Mrs. Waters Paul Lambert as Max Gerber, Effie's employer, with connections to the Mafia who wants the rights to Sparkle's fame. Armelia McQueen as "Tune" Ann, cousin of the Williams' sisters and church choir singer, who serves as a background singer to Sparkle after Sister and Delores depart. Joyce Easton as Lee DeWayne Jessie as "Ham", an associate of Satin's Norma Miller as Doreen Baker Talya Ferro as Miss Taylor Bob Delegall as Mr. Daniels Don Bexley as "Bubbles"
Production
Development
Lonne Elder, writer of the Academy Award nominated screenplay for Sounder drafted Sparkle, which Joel Schumacher edited to make a 200-page basis for the film that became his screenwriting debut. John Calley was running Warner Bros. at the time and said Sam O'Steen had to direct the film. He was the famous editor of Carnal Knowledge, Rosemary's Baby, and Chinatown. This film was Sam O'Steen's debut film as a film director. The film's story and plot were heavily inspired by the real-life singing group Diana Ross and the Supremes.
Casting
The film mainly introduced newer faces, which kept the budget low. Over 2,000 women auditioned for the role of Sparkle; in the end Irene Cara was cast, at age 17. She became the film's breakout star and went on to act in films such as Fame. With her other cast mates, the trio "combine their extraordinary freshness and talent to sing to the music of Curtis Mayfield, who composed the music for the film produced by Howard Rosenman." None of the actors cast were well known at the time and many were newcomers. Lonette McKee actually made her feature film debut in this film.
Filming
Bruce Surtees was the cinematographer. Lester Wilson choreographed the movie; his assistant was Michael Peters, who went on to choreograph "Beat It" and "Thriller" for Michael Jackson.