Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back

Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back is a riveting 2019 documentary film directed by John Carluccio, focused extensively on the life and legacy of American actor, director, singer, and choreographer Maurice Hines. The emotionally engaging film masterfully captures Hines's talent, passion, and unique journey over six decades in the entertainment industry, giving us an in-depth view of his persona. The documentary features star-studded appearances by famed celebrities Debbie Allen, Tanya Bagnato, and Shaun Baker, amongst others, contributing their anecdotes and encounters with Maurice to the storytelling.

Maurice Hines, much lauded for his extraordinary career, takes center stage as he shares an engaging account of his experiences in the world of entertainment - a journey marked by spectacular highs and dismaying lows. The film opens with Hines reminiscing about his early days of dancing with his younger brother, Gregory Hines. Their shared passion for performing, united them seamlessly on stage as the famed 'Hines Brothers'. Their partnership was not limited to familial ties alone but extended into a success-driven professional duo, whose innovative tap-dance performances won them nationwide recognition.

The audience is then taken on a poignant exploration of the trials and tribulations faced by the African American Hines Brothers, in the deeply segregated America of the 1950s and 60s. It exhibits how these brothers broke racial barriers, navigating racial inequality and societal prejudices, giving way to a new era of acceptance, diversity, and change in the field of American performing arts.

Hines's voice can be heard throughout the documentary, unveiling his deeply personal feelings about love and loss, his insecurities and manipulation by managers, the bonds and fissures with his family, and the realization of his individual identity, separated from his professional persona. We see him wrestling with his celebrity status and his endless struggle for recognition as a singular tapping genius rather than as the 'older Hines brother'.

The documentary, in addition to chronicling Hines's journey, captures his teaching choices. Known for his enduring belief in the importance of passing down the black dancing heritage to newer generations, Hines has been avidly involved in mentoring the 'Manzari Brothers' – young tappers who remind him of the Hines Brothers' early years. Several heartwarming scenes in the documentary film portray the warm and passionate teacher in Hines, as he imparts life's critical lessons to these young performers.

Interspersed with these captivating stories are delightful snippets of Hines’s visceral live performances that instantly teleport the audience into the world of graceful rhythms and infectious energy. Audiences are privileged with behind-the-scenes glimpses that pull back the curtain on the world of show business, revealing the dedication, hard work, and incredible talent that support these performances.

Contributions from Hollywood icon Debbie Allen, Canadian dancer Tanya Bagnato, and actor Shaun Baker, paired with those from other distinctive performers and choreographers, attempt to paint an exhaustive picture of Hines. Praising his innovations, his talent, his perseverance, and his pioneering role in overcoming racial boundaries in American theater, they provide varying perspectives on the artistic genius contained within the charismatic Maurice Hines.

The documentary vividly captures Hines's verve, powered by an incredible love for his art and his insatiable thirst to keep performing. The title "Bring Them Back" evokes the longing for yesteryears of glitz, glamour, and the old magic of showbiz, a world where Hines thrived while leaving his audience enraptured by his sublime talent.

Carluccio's Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back is a dynamic tribute to a seminal figure in American theatre, a pivotal exploration of his pivotal role in setting the stage for future generations of black artists. It beautifully narrates an intimate story of perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity, captivating audiences with its profound authenticity. Uncontrived and deeply touching, Maurice Hines: Bring Them Back is nothing short of an ode to a legendary figure’s extraordinary journey through the world of dance and performance. It is a celebration of resilience, talent, and the undying human spirit, narrated through the life story of an exemplary artist and human being.