ater televised performances in the fifties. It was not Ladys vocal talent that made her what she was. It was her delivery, performance style, charisma, and impeccably beautiful dramatization of even the most banal little number that made an impression on audiences. The footage of her singing the song Strange Fruit is one of the most amazing and alarming things in the film. As the audience looking in, we feel every word she sings, with a bit of awe, tinged with the horrid reality of what the song is about. This particular song was not recorded for many years due to the subject matter; lynching of African Americans in the South. This film shows Holiday as a enduring symbol of her art, a student of a life that was seldom kind or easy, a talented and alluring performer beloved by her audience, and a master of musical interpretation. I found the film to be highly enjoyable, and absolutely fascinating. I have always been a fan of Billie Holiday since I could remember, but it this particular film piqued my interest, and showed a true legend in both her prime, and the moments of her demise. It is done well enough to do justice to her work, as well as to her legend. I would definitely recommend it. ...
