i always felt that ms. merkerson have never get a role fit her skill . familiar to million a the lt. on law and order and she have be see in a number of theatrical release and always in a supporting role . hbo lackawanna blue change that and allow this talented actress to shine a nanny and successful entrepreneur in a world change from segregation to integration . but the story be really about the colorful array of character that she and her adopt son meet in a boarding house in lackawanna and new york and a suburb of buffalo . the story could be set in any major african american community of the 50 and 60 from atlanta sweet auburn to new york harlem . but the segregation integration angle be only a subtle undercurrent in the colorful life of the folk at nanny boarding house . the story revolve around nanny relationship with all kind of people and play by some of the best actor in the business ( i purposely do not say black actor this ensemble be a stunning array of talent who happen to be black and except for jimmy smits and of course ) i recommend this film a a fun and colorful look at a bygone day .