The River Niger - James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Glynn Turman

#theriverniger #jamesearljones #cicelytyson #glynnturman
In the scene, Johnny recites "The River Niger," dedicated to his loving wife Mattie.
In a poor African-American neighborhood in Los Angeles, once-aspiring poet Johnny Williams (James Earl Jones) takes a low-paying job as a house painter in order to support his family. Already struggling to make ends meet, Williams -- who rests his hopes on his son Jeff (Glynn Turman), an Air Force lieutenant -- grows more despondent when he learns his wife, Mattie (Cicely Tyson), has terminal cancer. Now, Williams must summon the depths of his spirit to overcome his family's plight.
Initial release: April 14, 1976
Director: Krishna Shah
Music composed by: War, Jerry Goldstein
Screenplay: Joseph A. Walker
Adapted from: The River Niger

[@jonespa]

I saw this movie as a teen and was struck by this scene. What a powerful poetic reading by one of the greatest!

[@yaphehhairskin-shiphrah4498]

Wow I have this movie ❤