SUSAN GRANGER’S REVIEW OF “A HOUSE DIVIDED” (SHOWTIME TV)
Based on historical events surrounding Amanda America Dickson, a bi-racial woman who is the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner (Sam Waterson) and his slave (Lisagay Hamilton), “A House Divided” is an adult drama of secrets, lies, and deception. Born with fair skin, Amanda (“Flashdance” Jennifer Beals) has been raised and educated near Sparta in ante-bellum Georgia as if she were white. Under the watchful eye of her grandmother (Shirley Douglas) and convinced that her mother died during childbirth, she grows up in privileged circumstances. But when her devoted father dies and leaves his estate to Amanda, her uncle contests the Will, convinced that she is not legally entitled to this inheritance. The young lawyer (Tim Daly) who drew up the document pursues the case in court. During the trial, through the use of flashbacks, Amanda understands her mother’s sacrifice, comes to terms with their relationship, and finds her true identity. Directed by John Kent Harrison, Amanda’s story was inspired by the book, “Woman of Color, Daughter of Privilege,” written by Kent Anderson Leslie for a Ph.D. dissertation and adapted for the screen by Paris Qualles. Viewed from the vantage point of the 21st century, what’s most fascinating is the bizarre psychological climate that existed in the South between white and black families who were living side-by-side, often in intimate circumstances, as in this case. The production values are first-class, as viewed through the sepia-colored prism of designer Susan Longmire and costumer Resa McConaghy. On the Granger Made-for-TV Movie Gauge, “A House Divided” is a slow-paced but hopeful 6, particularly appealing to those who have been estranged from their parents for any reason. It’s on Showtime TV, Sunday, July 30, at 8 P.M.
