Corrina, Corrina (film)
| Corrina, Corrina | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster |
|
| Directed by | Jessie Nelson |
| Produced by | Paula Mazur Jessie Nelson Steve Tisch |
| Written by | Jessie Nelson |
| Starring | Whoopi Goldberg Ray Liotta Tina Majorino |
| Music by | Rick Cox |
| Cinematography | Bruce Surtees |
| Editing by | Lee Percy |
| Distributed by | New Line Cinema |
| Release date(s) | August 12, 1994 |
| Running time | 115 minutes |
| Country |  United States |
| Language | English |
Corrina, Corrina is a 1994 feature film set in 1959 about a widower (Ray Liotta) who hires a housekeeper/nanny (Whoopi Goldberg) to care for his daughter (Tina Majorino). It was written and directed by Jessie Nelson. It was the last film Don Ameche made; he died after filming was completed.[1]
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[edit] Plot
When his wife dies, Manny Singer (Ray Liotta) searches for a housekeeper/nanny to take care of his young daughter, Molly. After several unsuccessful interviews that turn up such prospects as a religious zealot, a Sophia Loren wannabe, and a closet alcoholic (Joan Cusack) who tries to seduce him, Corrina (Whoopi Goldberg) interviews for the position. Manny perceives her as overqualified because of her college degree and, initially, decides not to hire her. However, as Corrina is leaving, he sees the way she interacts with Molly. Since her mother's death, the child has not only refused to speak but doesn't even acknowledge people. Molly responds to Corrina and Manny hires the no-nonsense housekeeper. Very quickly a strong bond is formed between nanny and child and soon Molly regains her desire to speak.
Corrina and Manny fall in love and, in 1950s America, face difficulties as an interracial couple. Corrina's sister wants her to date a black man, and Manny's mother and his best friend push him to date a perky white woman with two children. Love triumphs despite these barriers.
[edit] Cast
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
| Whoopi Goldberg | Corrina Washington |
| Ray Liotta | Manny Singer |
| Tina Majorino | Molly Singer |
| Jenifer Lewis | Jevina |
| Wendy Crewson | Jenny Davis |
| Don Ameche | Grandpa Harry |
| Erica Yohn | Grandma Eva |
[edit] Reaction
[edit] Reviews
The film received mixed reviews from many film critics criticizing Nelson's failure to fully address the complications surrounding a romantic interracial relationship in the 1950s. Roger Ebert confessed that he enjoyed the film but wrote, "...seems almost as shy as the characters about the charged issues of race and romance. After it was over I felt that, yes, it was warm and good-hearted, but there was more of a story there to be told."[2] Janet Maslin of The New York Times praised the actors and actress for their work on the film but echoed a similar criticism regarding Manny and Corrina's relationship, "The affection between them is evident, but not even by the end of her story has Ms. Nelson decided what sort of affection it is. That may be true to life, but for an otherwise mainstream movie, it's trouble."[3]
[edit] Box Office
The movie was not a box office success.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.tcm.com/tcmdb/participant.jsp?spid=3280&apid=39406
- ^ "Corrina, Corrina". Chicago Sun-Times. http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/19940819/REVIEWS/408190303/1023.
- ^ Maslin, Janet (1994-08-12). "FILM REVIEW; A Wise Housekeeper Tries to Tidy Up a Bereft Family". The New York Times. http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9D00EFD81530F931A2575BC0A962958260.
- ^ Dutka, Elaine (1994-08-30). "Weekend Box Office : 'Killers' Takes 'em by Surprise". The Los Angeles Times. http://articles.latimes.com/1994-08-30/entertainment/ca-32773_1_weekend-box-office. Retrieved 2011-01-11.
[edit] External links
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