The Piano Lesson

Plot

1930's Pittsburgh, a brother comes home to claim "my half of the piano", a family heirloom; but his sister is not wanting to part with it. This is a glimpse of the conditions for African-Americans as well as some of the attitudes and influences on their lives. But whether he is able to sell the piano so that he can get enough money to buy some property and "no longer have to work for someone else" involves the story (or lesson) that the piano has to show him.

Cast

Charles S. Dutton

Boy Willie

Alfre Woodard

Berniece Charles

Carl Gordon

Doaker

Tommy Hollis

Avery

Lou Myers

Wining Boy

Courtney B. Vance

Lymon

Zelda Harris

Maretha

Rosalyn Coleman

Grace

Tommy Lafitte

Ace

Lynne Innerst

Miss Ophelia

Harold Surratt

Papa Willie Boy

Jackson Nunn

Horse Trainer-Owner (uncredited)

Elva Branson

Mama Berniece

Tim Hartman

Sutter

Ben Tatar

Watermelon Man