This award-winning HBO original tells the story of Josephine Baker (a spectacular Lynn Whitfield), the 1920s black entertainer who had a turbulent showbiz career. Beginning with Josephine's birth into poverty in St. Louis, director Brian Gibson's film follows her escape to the vaudeville circuit, which takes her to Paris, where she meets her first husband and becomes notorious for her seminude banana dance. The film chronicles Baker's very rocky love life, her career downturns, her "rainbow family" of adopted children, and the racism--and rejection--she endured upon her return to America. As she finally achieves international stardom, she faces tragic events that threaten to overwhelm her. The outstanding cast includes Ruben Blades, Louis Gossett Jr., David Dukes, and Craig T. Nelson.

Filmed entirely on location in Budapest.

During filming, actress Lynn Whitfield and director Brian Gibson fell in love and married. However, they are now divorced.

Carol Dennis dubbed Lynn Whitfield's singing voice.

DVD Features:

Region 1
Snap Case
Full Frame - 1.33

Lynn Whitfield: American Film/TV Actress
Ruben Blades: Musician/Composer/Actor
David Dukes: American Actor
Louis Gossett: African American actor, AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN
Craig T. Nelson: American Actor

Brian Gibson: Director

"...This breathlessly paced 131-minute drama conveys the star's humor and carnality..."