Intimate Portrait: Josephine Baker [VHS]

The documentary footage of the video is fantastic, with images of St Louis during the riots of the 1920s, stills of Baker in New York City, and performances by Baker in Paris (with a strategically placed black bar, making the video suitable for younger audiences). Particuarly interesting are clips a 1951 interview with Baker upon her return to the United States. Also included are clips from the 1991 HBO film, "The Josephine Baker Story".

The video's commentary, however, was somewhat disappointing. Both Lynn Whitfield, who portrayed Baker for HBO's biopic, and choreographer-producer Debbie Allen are interviewed along with several of Baker's adopted children, and assorted biographers. But Arsenio Hall, the video's narrator, is a mysterious choice for an interview, as he has no discernable connection to the performer. His trite descriptions of Baker as having "a Jerry Lewis, Jim Carrey-like quality, though she was not a standup. She was a dancer," are especially irritating, as they bring no real information to the biography. They are merely filler. And Debbie Allen damages her credibility as a source by peppering her commentary with "Honey!" and "Child!" These glitches, however, are tolerable in the context of the documentary footage.

The life of Josephine Baker is a fascinating story which deserves a serious documentary, with a narrator who can correctly pronounce "Les Folies Bergères". But until we have that, this will have to do.

Josephine Baker. Just who was this woman? Born of a Black washer woman and white man in St. Louis, MO, Josephine led a hard life. The St. Louis racial riots of 1917 left an indelible impression on this young girl who would grow to resent the racism of her country throughout her life. Josephine was wild, independent and would do what was necessary to move out of her condition.

Her tenacity, creativeness and sense of adventure in performing eventually landed her in Paris which she took by a storm. She brought with her a style, grace and energy which is shown in vintage footage of her early years. You will enjoy the performance of this woman whose feats can't be duplicated today.

Baker was more than just an entertainer. She was always outspoken against racism and believed in living life on her own terms. France honored her as a war hero and she adopted children of different races to prove that all humanity can live in harmony. This was before the civil rights movement came into being at full force.

Enjoy this woman's triumph on stage. Allow yourself to get angry at the United States for its rejection of this great Black woman. Be forgiving of her varied foibles and mistakes. Yet remember this, THERE IS ONLY ONE JOSEPHINE!