Sparkle (1976)

Editor's Note Irene Cara (of FLASHDANCE soundtrack fame) and Lonette McKee star in this dramatic story of a musical trio's rise to stardom. Three sisters, who are raised in an impoverished neighborhood, have dreams of become pop singers. After a dark period which includes entering several dinky talent shows, they are finally discovered, and enter a world of glamour and fame. Like many though, they soon learn that there is a dangerous side to success, and they must find ways to combat the threat of self-destruction. A score by the infamous Curtis Mayfield adds soul to the drama, and the three women's tour-de-force performances are riveting.

	Dwan Smith
	Irene Cara
	Lonette McKee
	Philip Michael Thomas
	Bruce Surtees - Cinematographer
	Curtis Mayfield - Original Music By
	Gordon Scott - Editor
	Howard Rosenman - Producer
	Howard Rosenman - Writer
	Joel Schumacher - Writer
	Sam O'Steen - Director

A rags to riches tale about an aspiring soul group loosely based on the Supremes. Three beautiful, young, female vocalists try to make it to the top of the charts. But they encounter heartbreak along the way...and only one will be able to achieve her dream. Entertainment Weekly
"One of the best things to emerge from the film version of DREAMGIRLS is the release of an even better movie, 1976's SPARKLE..." -- Grade: A- 01/19/2007 p.62

BlackFilm.com 9 of 10
Harlem, sweet Harlem. The place where dreams are born and stardom is chased with vigor. For three sisters in 1958, this journey would lead to more than they ever imagined. Released in 1976, "Sparkle" is regarded by many as a modern black classic...Perhaps one of the most soul stirring elements of the film is the music. Composed by the late great Curtis Mayfield, the soundtrack yielded such hits as "Look into Your Heart" and "Loving You Baby". If those titles sound more familiar than the movie, perhaps it's because the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin popularized these songs on the soundtrack album that was released. - Nasser Metcalfe