The Ditchdigger's Daughters
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| The Ditchdigger's Daughters | |
|---|---|
| Written by | Yvonne S. Thornton |
| Screenplay by | Jo Coudert Paris Qualles |
| Directed by | Johnny E. Jensen |
| Starring | Carl Lumbly Dulé Hill Kimberly Elise Victoria Dillard |
| Music by | Philip Marshall |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Original language | English |
| Production | |
| Producers | James Manos Jr. Paris Qualles Lulu Zezza |
| Cinematography | Fernando Argüelles |
| Editor | Allan Holzman |
| Running time | 92 minutes |
| Original release | |
| Release | February 23, 1997 |
The Ditchdigger's Daughters is a 1997 American television drama film directed by Johnny E. Jensen and written by Yvonne S. Thornton,[1] Jo Coudert, and Paris Qualles, based on Thornton’s memoir.[2]
The film stars Carl Lumbly, Kimberly Elise, Monique Coleman, and Dulé Hill.[3] It aired on The Family Channel on February 23, 1997, and received three nominations at the 19th CableACE Awards performances, for Best Movie, Best Original Song with Kimberly Elise winning for a Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries.[4]
In 1940s New Jersey, Donald Thornton (Carl Lumbly), a laborer who works long hours and builds his own home.[5] He emphasizes discipline and education, encouraging his daughters to focus on their studies and avoid distractions.[6] His six daughters are Jeanette (Kimberly Elise),[7] Yvonne (Rosalyn Coleman),[8] Donna (Shelley Robertson), Linda (Monica Calhoun), Rita (Erika L. Heard), and Betty (Denice Sealy).[9]
To help support the family and their education, the daughters, guided by their mother, Itasker Thornton, form a musical group called the Thornettes and. then the Thornton Sisters.[10]
Cast
- Carl Lumbly as Donald Thornton[11]
- Dulé Hill as Young Donald
- Victoria Dillard as Tass
- Monique Coleman as Young Donna
- Kimberly Elise as Jeanette
- RaéVen Kelly as Young Jeanette
- Rosalyn Coleman as Yvonne[12]
- Jameelah Nuriddin as Young Yvonne
- Monica Calhoun as Linda
- Malaika Jabali as Young Linda
- Erika L. Heard as Rita
- Kiara Tucker as Young Rita
- Denice Sealy as Betty
- Niaja Cotton as Young Betty
- Lynne Moody as Kathryn
- April Turner as Yvette
- Robin Michelle McClamb as Joy
Production
Filming took place in Wilmington, North Carolina,[13] at EUE Screen Gems Studios, Timme Building, Thalian Hall, Tileston School, Brewery East, and New Hanover High School, from November to December 1996.[3] Paris Qualles adapted the screenplay from Yvonne Thornton’s memoir, with contributions from Jo Coudert, and expanded storylines to explore the daughters’ experiences.[5]
Release
The Ditchdigger's Daughters premiered on The Family Channel on February 23, 1997.[3]