The Ditchdigger's Daughters

The Ditchdigger's Daughters
Written byYvonne S. Thornton
Screenplay byJo Coudert
Paris Qualles
Directed byJohnny E. Jensen
StarringCarl Lumbly
Dulé Hill
Kimberly Elise
Victoria Dillard
Music byPhilip Marshall
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
ProducersJames Manos Jr.
Paris Qualles
Lulu Zezza
CinematographyFernando Argüelles
EditorAllan Holzman
Running time92 minutes
Original release
ReleaseFebruary 23, 1997 (1997-02-23)

The Ditchdigger's Daughters is a 1997 American television drama film directed by Johnny E. Jensen and written by Yvonne S. Thornton,[1] Jo Coudert, and Paris Qualles, based on Thornton’s memoir.[2]

The film stars Carl Lumbly, Kimberly Elise, Monique Coleman, and Dulé Hill.[3] It aired on The Family Channel on February 23, 1997, and received three nominations at the 19th CableACE Awards performances, for Best Movie, Best Original Song with Kimberly Elise winning for a Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries.[4]

Plot

In 1940s New Jersey, Donald Thornton (Carl Lumbly), a laborer who works long hours and builds his own home.[5] He emphasizes discipline and education, encouraging his daughters to focus on their studies and avoid distractions.[6] His six daughters are Jeanette (Kimberly Elise),[7] Yvonne (Rosalyn Coleman),[8] Donna (Shelley Robertson), Linda (Monica Calhoun), Rita (Erika L. Heard), and Betty (Denice Sealy).[9]

To help support the family and their education, the daughters, guided by their mother, Itasker Thornton, form a musical group called the Thornettes and. then the Thornton Sisters.[10]

Cast

Production

Filming took place in Wilmington, North Carolina,[13] at EUE Screen Gems Studios, Timme Building, Thalian Hall, Tileston School, Brewery East, and New Hanover High School, from November to December 1996.[3] Paris Qualles adapted the screenplay from Yvonne Thornton’s memoir, with contributions from Jo Coudert, and expanded storylines to explore the daughters’ experiences.[5]

Release

The Ditchdigger's Daughters premiered on The Family Channel on February 23, 1997.[3]

Reception

The film received positive reviews for its story and performances. Lena Williams of The New York Times described it as "heartwarming" and noted its focus on perseverance and family unity.[2] In a review published by the Chicago Tribune, the film was described as a well-intentioned and engaging adaptation that conveyed the core message of the source memoir but necessarily condensed its complexity due to time constraints.[14]

Kimberly Elise won the CableACE Award for Supporting Actress in a Movie or Miniseries for her portrayal of Jeanette Thornton.[15]

References

  1. ^ "SOAPBOX; Ditchdigger's Daughter (Published 1999)". 1999-03-21. Archived from the original on 2025-01-04. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  2. ^ a b Williams, Lena (1997-02-20). "Sisters, United in Success, Are Divided on the Details (Published 1997)". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 2025-03-30. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  3. ^ a b c Writer, Staff. "The Ditchdigger's Daughters". Wilmington Star-News. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  4. ^ Staff, Variety (17 November 1997). "A complete list of winners of the CableAce Awards". Variety.
  5. ^ a b "SISTERS DIVIDED ON DETAILS OF FAMILY STORY In her inspirational 1995 memoir The Ditchdigger's Daughters, Dr. Yvonne S. Thornton". Sun Sentinel. 1997-03-17. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  6. ^ Kelly, Greg (2024-08-01). "Ditchdiggers, Daughters, and Doctors – Monmouth Beach Life.com". Momouth Beach Life. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  7. ^ Cox, Dan (1997-06-27). "Elise in Demme's 'Beloved'". Variety. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  8. ^ Writer, Amy Hotz, Staff. "Actor-director to be honored as Emerging Filmmaker at Cine Noir". Wilmington Star-News. Retrieved 2026-01-28.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ "The Ditchdigger's Daughters (1997) | ČSFD.cz". CSFD.
  10. ^ C.R White, Constance. "The Price of the Ticket". The New York Times.
  11. ^ "SHORT BUT SWEET". Chicago Tribune. 1997-02-20. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  12. ^ Hotz, Amy. "Actor-director to be honored as Emerging Filmmaker at Cine Noir". Wilmington Star-News. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  13. ^ "Television Filmed in Wilmington, NC". Wilmington Regional Film Commission. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  14. ^ "SHORT BUT SWEET". Chicago Tribune. 1997-02-20. Retrieved 2026-01-28.
  15. ^ Richmond, Ray. "CableAce Awards HBO leads CableAces with 32 nods". Variety.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 unless otherwise noted. Additional terms may apply for the media files.