Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley

Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley is a fascinatingly informative and laugh-stirring documentary that stars several renowned personalities including Debbie Allen, Kaye Ballard, and Harry Belafonte. Released in 2013, the film is directed and produced by the multi-talented Whoopi Goldberg, who uses this platform to give tribute to one of her major inspirations: the groundbreaking black comedienne, Moms Mabley.

Loretta Mary Aikens, better known as Moms Mabley, was a pioneering stand-up comic who defied numerous shackles of her era as a black woman performing riotous comedy in a largely white and male-dominated industry. Goldberg, an Oscar-winning actress and comedian herself and one of only 16 entertainers ever to win an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, is well-qualified to conduct this exploration of Mabley’s life and legacy. She drives home the point that while Mabley might not be particularly well-known among younger audiences today, her cultural significance and influence on the world of comedy is substantial.

The film helps viewers navigate the vibrant journey of Mabley's life and career, from her early days in African-American Vaudeville to her reappraisal in the pioneer years of television, from the Chitlin' Circuit of segregated nightclubs to her later years on mainstream television. It offers remarkable insights into her often challenging life experiences. Through a mix of hilarious, historic footage of Mabley performing on shows like The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Bill Cosby Show, and interviews with famous admirers and friends, the documentary paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable woman who turned tragedy into triumph and left a lasting comedic legacy.

Debbie Allen, an internationally recognized director, choreographer, author, dancer, and actors, provides an enriching perspective to Mabley's life, as she delves into the comedy and courage of Moms. Likewise, the famed comedian and musical theatre actress Kaye Ballard, and iconic singer, songwriter, activist, and actor Harry Belafonte, offer insightful instances and experiences that serve both as nostalgic recounts and mind-opening bite-sized histories. Their unique contributions spin an engaging narrative thread throughout the hour and a half-long documentary.

There are also numerous celebrity testimonials throughout the film, including luminaries like Bill Cosby, Eddie Murphy, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffin, Anne Meara, and more. These A-listers provide colorful accounts of their personal experiences with Mabley, as well as expressing their admiration for her groundbreaking work. There are also touching moments where they cite Moms as a significant influence on their own comedy careers.

In bringing Moms Mabley back into the limelight, Whoopi Goldberg enhances the recognition of a trailblazing figure who might have otherwise been forgotten by the general public in the annals of time. It’s a rich celebration of a woman who delighted audiences with her unconventional jokes and comedic rhythm for more than five decades, but who remained largely unrecognized outside the African-American community during her career.

This documentary is also an important spotlight on what makes comedy special - its power to challenge stereotypes, question societal norms, and facilitate difficult conversations. In reliving Mabley's tale, Goldberg unveils a bold figure whose biting humor was able to tackle heavy topics such as racism and sexism, showing how it served as a mirror for the times she lived in.

In conclusion, Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley is an important historical exploration into the life of one of the most influential comedians of her generation, all too often overlooked by the mainstream. It's a not-to-be-missed documentary that serves to enlighten viewers on the strength, courage, and resilience that Moms Mabley embodied, all cloaked in her disarming humor. This documentary gives comedy fans and history buffs a look into the early days of stand-up comedy during a time of significant societal change, providing a thoughtful reminder of the power humor has to effect change and healing. It is an eye-opening tribute to a trailblazer and a must-watch for those interested into the roots of comedy.