Conceding to Kismet Presents Pop Culture Therapy

This summer I will be offering you doses of Pop Culture Therapy: A Pop Culture Junkie’s Guide. While the completed work will give you suggestions in cinematherapy, bibliotherapy and audiotherapy, this summer I will focus on cinematherapy, so get ready to go out and find some really awesome films to fill your summer nights. This week, “Serenade Yourself.” If you still want to pay homage to Michael Jackson and Lena Horne, check them out in this great cult classic.

The Wiz (1978)
Synopsis: Dorothy (portrayed by Diana Ross) is a 24-year-old school teacher from Harlem. After chasing her dog Toto through a snow storm, she finds herself transported to the magical Land of Oz. In her quest to find her way back home, she seeks the yellow brick road. Her journey leads her to three endearing characters Scarecrow (portrayed by the one and only Michael Jackson), Tinman (portrayed by Nipsey Russell) and Lion, aka Fleetwood Coupe de Ville (portrayed by Ted Ross). The foursome eases down the yellow brick road in order to find the great and powerful Oz (portrayed by Richard Pryor) so that he may get Dorothy home, give the Scarecrow a brain, give the Tinman a heart and grant Lion courage. This all-black cast version of the 1939 film The Wizard of Oz features a score from Quincy Jones and the underrated composer Charlie Smalls and has become something of a cult classic over the past 30-something years. It also features Mabel King, Theresa Merritt, Thelma Carpenter and the legendary Lena Horne as Glenda the Good. Even with the familiar plot, the music performances are what make this one a classic and well worth watching. The transformation of New York City into Oz also makes a visually stunning spectacle.
Why I Like/Recommend: This film is damn-near sacred in my family. Even my two-year-old great niece knows Michael Jackson from this film. Speaking of the King of Pop, he is the one who unites us all in why we like this film. Even my teenage nephews will sit and listen to him perform “You Can’t Win.” I think it’s his performance in general that does it for me overall in this film that I once found cheesy. However, after I revisited it during my college years, I bought both the movie and the soundtrack. I actually think the music in this film is better than that of the original. By the way, the late, great Luther Vandross wrote the joyous anthem “Brand New Day,” a testament to all the talent that went into this delightful film.