Claudine is a single mother in New York City who endures an exhausting commute to the suburbs where she works as a maid for wealthy families. In one carefully tended white community, she meets Roop, a charismatic but irresponsible garbage collector. Romance quickly ensues, but Claudine doubts that their relationship is good for her six children, and Rupert, despite his good nature, is reluctant to take on fatherhood.
Acting
Carroll and Jones have crackling, lived-in chemistry.
Score
Gladys Knight & The Pips soundtrack is pure magic.
Writing
Welfare office scenes are biting satire disguised as comedy.
Director
John Berry
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Diahann Carroll was the first Black woman nominated for a Best Actress Oscar for this role. The Academy gave it to Ellen Burstyn for 'Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore' instead. Make of that what you will.
Director John Berry was blacklisted during the Red Scare and had to work in France for years; this was his Hollywood comeback. The film's quiet rage at institutional power makes more sense knowing that.
US
