Book Vs. Movie: The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman
The 1971 play Vs. the 1974 movie


For Black History Month, the Margos visit "The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman." Ernest J. Gaines wrote this novel, which was first published in 1971. The book is a fictional autobiography that spans over 100 years of American history, narrated by Miss Jane Pittman, an African American woman born into slavery and lived through the Civil Rights Movement. The narrative provides a powerful and poignant perspective on the struggles and triumphs of African Americans in the United States. Miss Jane Pittman's life story serves as a lens through which readers can explore the complex issues of race, identity, and social justice.

"The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman" was adapted into a television movie in 1974 and was directed by John Korty—Cicely Tyson in the titular role of Miss Jane Pittman. Cicely Tyson's performance in the role received widespread acclaim, and the movie itself was well-received for its powerful storytelling and exploration of the African American experience throughout different periods of American history.

The TV movie won several awards, including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series or Television Movie for Cicely Tyson and Outstanding Writing for a Drama Special for Tracy Keenan Wynn, who adapted the screenplay from Ernest J. Gaines' novel.

In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The life and work of Ernest J. Gaines.
• The plot of the story & the special effects for makeup
• The differences between the original novel and the adaptation.
• The cast of the 1974 film: Cicely Tyson (Jane Pittman,) Valerie Odell (young Jane Pittman,) Richard Dysart (Master Bryant,) Odetta (Big Laura,) Michael Murphy (Quentin Lerner,) Rod Perry (Joe Pittman,) Arnold Wilkerson (Jimmy,) Will Hare (Albert Cluveau,) Katherine Helmond (Lady at House,) Thalmus Rasulala (Ned Douglas,) and Barbara Chaney as Amma Dean.

Clips used:

• Jimmy returns to the church
• TCM intro for “The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman”
• Jane gets her name
• Joe and Jane meet
• A fortune teller predicts Joe’s death
• Jane goes to Bayonne.
• Theme by Fred Karlin

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