A seemingly insignificant event in 1906 America ends up representing all the racist attacks on one man, who won't back down this time. Based on an E.L. Doctorow novel. Stars Howard E. Rollins, Jr., Mary Steenburgen, James Cagney, Debbie Allen.
Based on the acclaimed and popular E.L. Doctorow novel, RAGTIME tells the intricate story of four New York families--three of which are fictional--at the turn of the 20th century, each indicative of that time in American history, and highlighting some of the downsides of following the American Dream. Starving immigrant artist Tateh (Mandy Patinkin) will eventually set off to make his fortune in Hollywood, but not without a chance encounter with Evelyn Nesbit (Elizabeth McGovern in the role of the real-life showgirl). Nesbit was the center of the infamous (and, in the film, the very compelling) Thaw-White murder case, in which her mentally unstable millionare husband Harry K. Thaw (Robert Joy) murdered her lover, the famed architect Stanford White (Norman Mailer). Another storyline follows the disintegration of an upper-class American family headed by Mary Steenburgen (simply named Mother) and James Olson (Father). Their seemingly perfect existence is shattered when black ragtime pianist Coalhouse Walker (Howard E. Rollins), loosely modeled on Scott Joplin, begins to romance a pregnant young woman living in their home (Debbie Allen). Walker, a dignified man, turns to rage when he is tormented by local racists. One of the most impressive moments in this ambitious film is the appearance of veteran actor James Cagney who, at 81, plays feisty Police Commissioner Waldo.
RAGTIME was Pat O'Brien's last feature film.
The film marked James Cagney's last big-screen appearance. His final acting performance was in the made-for-TV movie TERRIBLE JOE MORAN (1980).
Ragtime Reviews:
"...Cagney manages to show us a thing or two about legend and popular memory..."
-- Tim Pulleine, Sight and Sound
"...Superbly crafted....RAGTIME is a major achievement..."
-- Step., Variety
"[A] gorgeous-looking DVD."-- Mike Clark, USA Today
James Cagney's last movie This Movie shows how finding an abandoned negro child changes the lives of several families.
The movie is based on true facts and
thats what makes it outstanging. Submitted by glubert (West Palm Beach, Florida) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
GOOD TIMES/BAD TIMES-RAGTIME GOOD MOVIE! GOOD CAST! Lessons to learn from this movie watch carefully & enjoy Submitted by jfwaller60 (Albany,NY USA) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
It appeared to be based on early American biase I enjoyed the movie because it seemed to articulate American attitudes towards the black people of the country. It was also good to see that there was a household that tried to come to their rescue. Submitted by gakitteringham (Epping, Victoria. Australia) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo
Engrossing, incricate and compelling. This movie shows a much overlooked period of time in a part of the country (NYC) that often is not thought of when stories are told about pre-depression/post slavery USA a big plus is getting to see Elizabeth McGovern fully nude for 5 minutes straight... Submitted by famoustitties (Piedmont Triad NC) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo 1 of 1 found this helpful. This review is for a different format.
Classic Really wasn't "so much" about the Ragtime music, but it was an element. Ragtime culture had less to do with the movie, but the story lines? Oh yeah. This'll keep you watching. Submitted by speakeasysounds (Newark, NJ) Was This Review Helpful? YesNo This review is for a different format.
Region 1 Keep Case Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.78 Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround - English Dolby Digital Mono - English Dolby Digital Mono - French Dolby Digital Restored - English Additional Release Material: Deleted Scenes Audio Commentary: Milos Foreman - Director, Michael Hausman - Executive Producer Featurette: REMEMBERING RAGTIME Interactive Features: Scene Access
James Cagney's last movie
GOOD TIMES/BAD TIMES-RAGTIME
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