Taglines: Sometimes, the last place you expected to be is the one place you’ve always belonged…
Down in the Delta movie storyline. Rosa Lynn, an elderly woman, sends her daughter Loretta and her children to live with her brother-in-law in Mississippi. Loretta is an addict and does not want to go, especially since uncle Earl lives in the dry and rural part of Mississippi. Uncle Earl already has his hands full with his business and a wife who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease. He has Loretta help him in his restaurant, and the family begins to find strength in their roots, and start to rebuild their lives.
An important recurring object throughout the film is a silver candelabra, a family heirloom. The candelabra, which everyone refers to as “Nathan,” has strong significance to the family. It is finally revealed that Loretta’s great-great grandfather and Jesse’s father was a slave named Nathan, and he was traded for the candelabra. Jesse stole back the candelabra, and it has been passed through the generations, along with Nathan’s story, ever since.
Down in the Delta (1998)
Directed by: Maya Angelou
Starring: Wesley Snipes, Alfre Woodard, Al Freeman Jr., Mary Alice, Esther Rolle, Loretta Devine, Anne-Marie Johnson, Sandra Caldwell, Colleen Williams, Richard Blackburn
Screenplay by: Myron Goble
Production Design by: Lindsey Hermer-Bell
Cinematography by: William Wages
Film Editing by: Nancy Richardson
Costume Design by: Maxyne Baker
Set Decoration by: Megan Less
Art Direction by: Bob Sher
Music by: Stanley Clarke
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for drug related material.
Distributed by: Miramax Films
Release Date: December 25, 1998
Hits: 87
