I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1979)

Synopsis: Based on Maya Angelou's autobiographical novel, this film recounts her Depression-Era childhood and adolescent struggle with sexual trauma. After their parents' divorce, Maya and her brother... Based on Maya Angelou's autobiographical novel, this film recounts her Depression-Era childhood and adolescent struggle with sexual trauma. After their parents' divorce, Maya and her brother Baily are shipped off to rural Arkansas where they live with their grandmother. Though the KKK presents a continual threat to their family, the children grow strong and healthy under grandmother's watchful eye. Upon reaching adolescence, Maya and Baily are shipped back to their parents who, though still separated, are now able to take care of them. Baily chooses to live out West with their father while Maya moves in with their mother, Vivian. But no sooner has Maya settled into her new surroundings than she's sexually molested by a trusted family friend. Thus begins a process of healing for a bright, beautiful girl destined to blossom into a dynamic woman and writer. [More]

Starring: Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, Esther Rolle, Roger E. Mosley

Starring: Diahann Carroll, Ruby Dee, Esther Rolle, Roger E. Mosley

Director: Fielder Cook

Director: Fielder Cook
Producer: Jean Moore Edwards
Screenwriter: Leonora Thuna, Maya Angelou
Story: Maya Angelou

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