I almost forgot about this Robert Townsend-directed movie until I saw it on television the other night. What I do remember is that it was a made for TV movie that aired in 2000, and I did see it then. Not knowing much about Little Richard's background other than his flamboyant stage act and his classic records, I thought that this was a great introduction to the life of a man whom, in my opinion, never really got the credit he deserved being a pioneer of rock 'n roll. Those honors always seem to go to other acts of the day (Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee Lewis, Pat Boone - please give us a break!), when the REAL pioneers of the genre are mostly ignored or have been reduced to being mere footnotes in rock 'n roll history. Those who are die-hard fans of Richard and his music might find this film to be lacking in many ways, but for those who are just getting familiar with this man's life and his music, this is a good place to begin their research.

Leon is an exceptional actor who seems to portray a lot of musical figures on film, and very well, I might add. Who can forget his dynamic (and probably most well known) performance as the former Temptation David Ruffin in the still popular "The Temptations" mini-series, or as J.T. Matthews in the early 1990's feature film "The Five Heartbeats"? (I've even seen him play Jackie Wilson in another movie mini-series, however, he had a small role in that film.) As Little Richard Penniman, Leon engrosses himself in his subject and although the film is not entirely factual, it piques your interest enough to make you want to seek out the real story of his life. I know, after seeing it yet again, I want to learn more!

My only complaint is that two hours (TV running time, anyway) was hardly enough time to capture the story of this man - this certainly deserved the mini-series treatment. It was like viewing Richard's career and personal life on fast forward - you didn't get the chance to learn whom his main influences were, or understand why he made some of the decisions he did because the film seemed rushed, especially during the last half hour. However, it is an enjoyable movie and definitely worth watching. It needs to be made available again - any fan of rock 'n roll musical bios will want to add this to their collection.

je suis un garcon qui adord chanter et dancer du little richard jai deja vus votre films et je le recherche a nouveau pour pouvouir chanter et rocker comme lui jàime sa voie car il chantais,criais et pouvais faire vibrer des coeur comme le miens

MERCI

cedrick chapman un veritable fan

The Little Richard Story is a credible account of the man who, more than any other individual artist, erased the word "race-music" and created popular music. Although only a small part of his life and 55 year (and still counting) career was highlighted, the DVD really captures the essence of the man - the battle between his faith in the Lord and the temptations of the world, and the development of the most important musical art form of the twentieth century - rock music. Leon is amazing in the title role, bringing to the screen the attractive, sensual black musician with the raspy, force-of-nature voice, that racist parents in America fought so hard (and so unsuccessfully) to keep from their children's senses. If you love rock, r&b or rap, and are interested in the roots of the music (the black church), this DVD is a must to add to your collection.

I saw this on cable, and it really was well produced, and although the film doesn't mention that Little Richard's main influence was Esquirita. This film may not be completely accurate, but it is a lot of fun to watch. The birth of jump blues & r&b started with Esquirita, but Little Richard made it a household name.

This has to be the worst dramatization of a pop/rock singer's life. Opening with one or two insignificant scenes (including an 11 year-old Richard in a dress), it quickly jumps to the "Little Richard" incarnation, complete with flamboyant hair and a penchant for high shrills and signature screams. What the film fails to convey is Richard's infamous meeting with Esquerita (whom he met at the Macon bus stop at one in the morning, doing god-only-knows what). They went back to Richard's pad and stayed up together until the sunrise, with the South Carolinian, Esquerita, showing off his dandified musical act, playing "Mint Julep" over and over, and demonstrating his entirely original screams and shrills. In his autobiography, Little Richard fully gives Esquerita props for this essential element of the Lil Richard act. In this weak dramatization of his life, there is no development of Richard's style or sound. The details are insignificant and the content devoid of important facts or significance.