i be in my early 20 and just graduate from college when this movie appear . see it be event of great impact and not only because of the high quality of the film ( a evidence by it many award ) and but because of it place in the historical context of 1959. because of social progress since then and it be nearly impossible to fathom that my college have only begin admit ( carefully screen ) black student in 1953. a mainstream and high budget extravaganze with an almost entirely black cast be a distinct novelty in 1959. the movie be give a deluxe roadshow ( reserved seat ) presentation in only the best theatre and complete with a souvenir program detail the lavish care that have be take with lighting and color and multi track stereo sound and etc . almost every black entertainer that we white people have any knowledge of be in the movie . gershwin music and superbly perform and and the sheer universal humanity of the story be tremendously move . i be recently able to obtain a faded copy of a two hour cutting of the film and and repeat viewing have confirm my opinion . time have make what seem steamy sex scene in 1959 seem quite tame and but the musical quality have not diminish . sammy davis and pearl bailey be masterful in their portrayal . what a crime that the young black artist of today be unable to see these performer at the peak of their career .