Cinema Revisited: Mahogany (1975)

Directed by Berry Gordy (w/Tony Richardson). Starring Diana Ross, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Perkins, Jean-Pierre Aumont, Beah Richards, Nina Foch, Bruce Vilanch. Released October 8, 1975. Running time: 109 minutes.

The 1970s was the last consistently great decade for American cinema, each year filled with the release of timeless classics that have lived on over time and generations. However, when we venture deeper into the decade and investigate films that might have enjoyed some popularity in their time, we find movies that come off as dated. "Mahogany" is a good example.

Singer Diana Ross stars as a woman who comes from poverty, but whose beauty and creative prowess brings her into the fashion world. Anthony Perkins is a borderline psychotic photographer who wields real power in the fashion industry. Billy Dee Williams is an idealistic politician trying to do something about the Chicago slums. Jean-Pierre Dumont is the disgustingly wealthy man who uses the Ross character to his own advantage.

The film is a series a dramatic turns, set against the glitziness of the 1970s fashion world. Having been an adult at the time of the movie's initial release, this writer recalls when such a presentation would have fit comfortably in the culture. That aspect of the culture has changed, making "Mahogany" less of a drama and more a kitschy example of camp. For those not around during this period, the film's dated elements might seem laughable. There is nothing in the writing, direction, or even the performances that can override this.

Diana Ross, coming off her bravura performance as Billie Holiday in "Lady Sings The BLues" works hard to convey the myriad of emotions of the title character, who goes from Chicago poverty to the top of the fashion world in Rome, only to find that fame is meteoric, as she lands back where she began. Her character is tough and attempts to override her circumstances, and Ross does her best to give depth to her performance. The screenplay isn't strong enough for her. Anthony Perkins is most famous for playing the screen's most noted "psycho," so he owns his crazy photographer character. Perhaps it is Billy Dee Williams who comes off best, anchoring the proceedings with the calm reserve and steely determination of a 70s-era idealist, believing he can change the culture.

Tony Richardson was the original director on the project, but clashed with producer Berry Gordy, who took over direction himself. For a novice, it isn't too bad, and he makes sure the camera focuses mostly on his star.

Perhaps if "Mahogany" is approached as a cultural artifact, and amusingly dated cinematic piece from another era, it might be enjoyable enough. There are isolated scenes that work well. And the Oscar nominated title song, a number one hit, is worth mentioning, along with the fact that Diana Ross herself designed some of her costumes. But coming out in a year that also gave us "Jaws," "One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest,"and "Dog Day Afternoon," "Mahogany," is so completely of its own time, it really doesn't hold up.