Been Rich All My Life

Been Rich All My Life (2006) is an unforgettable, heart-warming documentary that encompasses the spirit of resilience, vivacity, and the timelessness of art. Directed by Heather Lyn MacDonald, the film features a group of phenomenal women, including Marion Coles, Elaine Ellis, and Cleo Hayes, who have nurtured their artistic flair and innate love for performing arts over the years.

This documentary follows the enchanting journeys of five ladies in their 80s and 90s who first found the limelight as dancers in the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s. These ladies, Marion Coles, Elaine Ellis, Cleo Hayes, Fay Ray, and Berte Lou Wood, danced in chorus lines in iconic venues like the Apollo and the Cotton Club. But as time passed, their glitzy past faded, and the hardships of life set in, forcing them all to pursue other occupations to survive commercially. In the 1980s, they reunited and created a dance troupe called "The Silver Belles," drawing on their extraordinary experience of illuminating showbiz with their mesmerizing performances.

"Been Rich All My Life," is much more than a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It is an artful blend of past and present as the film transitions smoothly between the dancers' earliest experiences and current performances. Notably, MacDonald's compassionate direction beautifully brings forth the ladies' vibrant spirit, their remarkable camaraderie, life-altering experiences, and irrepressible love for dance.

Marion Coles, the ever-graceful widow of the legendary tap dancer, Cholly Atkins, stands as an embodiment of grace and fortitude. Despite her aching knees, she is seen performing with immense gusto, casting a spell of enchantment every time she taps on stage. Elaine Ellis, another Silver Belle, shares captivating tales about her past — how she ran away from being a preacher’s wife to perform in Harlem and eventually ended up becoming a nurse.

Cleo Hayes, the troupe's feisty matriarch, is showcased as the heart of the group. Known for her impeccable dressing sense, Coles's close-ups reveal her larger-than-life persona and the threads of resilience knitted in her character.

Throughout the 80-minute runtime, "Been Rich All My Life", as the title suggests, emphasizes the real wealth and richness beyond materialistic possessions. The treasures the ladies carry are their body of experiences, their undying spirit, the power of friendship, and their shared joy of dancing.

To add to the story's depth, MacDonald invigorally weaves in a series of archival footages, including stunning black and white images of the ladies from the ’30s and ’40s. The past unfolds through these archival footages and old photographs and contrasts it with digital videos of the same women in the present day. These juxtapositions are a fascinating way to present their extraordinary lives, highlighting the blend of their youthful audacity and aged wisdom.

The film also illustrates serious moments, portraying how life’s inevitable challenges like illness and age-related issues interrupt their dancing routines. Yet, this documentary’s magic lies in showcasing the journey and the spirit of these feisty ladies who find their joy, exercise and therapy all rolled into one on the dance floor.

As in any true story, the emotions range from tears and laughter, to moments of awe and admiration, embellished with a delightful tap-dancing soundtrack supporting the rhythm of the narrative. The ladies' memories of discrimination, segregation, and financial struggles rise above their misfortunes, inspiring a tale touched with warmth, joy, and an unflagging optimism for life.

"Been Rich All My Life" stands as a sparkling testament to the power and perseverance of these audacious women and their lasting contributions to the art form they deeply love. This narrative is a tribute to these remarkable women with an indomitable spirit and an unwavering zest for life. It offers audiences a compelling view into their past, a past where these dames defied societal norms to pursue their passion, making it a must-watch for lovers of dance, history, and unique biographies.