Bessie (2015)
The story of legendary blues performer, Bessie Smith, who rose to fame during the 1920s and '30s.
5 Kinolab Clips
Ending Sequence
After the Great Depression stunted her career, Bessie (Queen Latifah) begins to perform again. She meets producer John Hammond (Bryan Greenberg), who helps reinvigorate her career. Amidst new success, Bessie reflects on her life
Duration: 00:06:54
Contributor: Alexana Dubois
Opening Sequence
Bessie (Queen Latifah) performs in a vaudeville show and reflects on her childhood
Duration: 00:06:47
Timestamp: 00:00:07
Contributor: Alexana Dubois
Bessie's Breakthrough
Bessie (Queen Latifah) makes her breakthrough performance, overshadowing Ma Rainey (Mo'Nique) during a show. This causes a fight between the two and Bessie leaves to start her own act.
Duration: 00:05:08
Timestamp: 00:19:09
Contributor: Alexana Dubois
Cross-dressing
Bessie (Queen Latifah) travels the country with her mentor, Ma Rainey (Mo'Nique). After Bessie's first performance, Ma Rainey performs, cross-dressed as a man
Duration: 00:03:12
Timestamp: 00:19:09
Contributor: Alexana Dubois
Not Backing Down
Ku Klux Klan members show up at Bessie's (Queen Latifah) concert in North Carolina, but she wards them away and continues the show.
Duration: 00:03:56
Timestamp: 00:56:48
Contributor: Alexana Dubois