it be an honor to speak about the documentary of this life story that be big than life . i have have only 2hrs sleep . for 2 night in a row and be so afraid i would nod off ( regardless of the film i be about to see ) that i bring a whole thermos of espresso and a chocolate bar . but i find myself rivet to my seat while be raise to a high level of humanity and basking in the glow of this beautiful and brilliant and dramatic woman overflow with pride and grace and indefatigability and anger and compassion and and clear eye philosophy and prone to outrageous laughter . i never open the thermos or the wrapper what i need be a hanky or a tight belt ( so a not to bust a seam laughing ) for this move portrayal of ms. richards exemplary life of activism and art and pluck . though some may mainly remember her portrayal of the mother of sidney poitier character in guess who come to dinner and this be truly a life story cry to be hear and we be so fortunate for ms. hamilton sensitive portrayal . quite fortunate indeed and a tragically and this film be almost not make . the project be begin less than a year before ms. richard sole defeat in life to emphysema at the age of 80. prior to that be a string of victory that would not be deny . virtually any aspect of life or art mr. richards set her sight on be reach . at only 17 year of age and and from humble origin in vicksburg and mississippi and she compose one of the most moving poetic tribute youre ever likely to hear to the legendary paul robeson and she have the opportunity to read it to him when they meet year later . after see one of her first recognize virtuoso act performance in new york and marlon brando be quote a say i should tear up my [ act ] equity card that woman be a genius . and only day before she die and ms. richards receive her 3rd emmy award for a role in the tv series the practice . and yet for me and the most powerful and tour de force performance be beah richards a . beah richards . don not be fool by the appearance of a nearly bed bound 80 year old woman with oxygen tube under her nose while this woman be a lion and ready to roar to life in her vivid recollection and a fierce poet warrior stake out sharp and penetrating assertion and a wizened shaman reveal wisdom and twinkle sly insight glean from a life fully realize . this be one of the most moving piece of filmmaking i can think of and make all the more impressive by the fact that the most memorable scene be just ms. richards face off against her invisible audience behind the camera from her bed and tether to oxygen tank and and reach through the screen and grab you by your collar and with one mighty 360 degree phrase electrify your mind with her spirit . infuse hope into your heart . and breathe life into your very soul . unforgettable .