Mahogany (1975)

1h 49m / PG / Romance, Drama

Struggling Chicago fashion design student Tracy (Diana Ross) goes from rags to riches when a chance meeting with hotshot fashion photographer Sean (Anthony Perkins) in the department store where she works leads to a runway life as a model in Rome. Tracy’s overnight success and strong ambitions bring her professional success as a designer, but her change in personality may destroy her relationship with social activist Brian (Billy Dee Williams), as well as the respect she’s built in her professional world.

Famed record executive Berry Gordy’s only directorial credit (he’s also a prolific film producer), Mahogany was Diana Ross’s follow-up to her ethereal performance as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. Best known at this point for its theme song (also known as the #1 hit “Do You Know Where You’re Going To”), Mahogany synthesizes the brilliance both star and director have for the organic power of music into a fierce story of independence, finding yourself and the sometimes-destructive magnetism of love.

Presented in partnership as part of the Black Love Classics Series with History with a Twist. Owner Sophia Cherry will lead a short audience conversation after the movie about the history of black cinema, with an emphasis on romance films.

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Click the view the rest of the Black Love 2022 series or the Black Love Film List
The Black Love Classics Series is presented by TECO.