Back in the 70s, 80s and 90s there was the phenomenon of the "Movie of the Week." Some of the most talked about movies actually would play on one of the big 3 - usually on a Sunday. If the movie was a 2-part "event" or mini-series, then you knew it was going to be GOOD.
Following the release of Katherine Jackson's autobiography, "My Family," Suzanne de Passe (formerly from Motown) and Stan Margulies executive produced this amazing 5 hour TV movie. And it was quite the "Event" - eventually being watched in it's first run in 38 million homes, making it a hit for ABC.
The movie follows the Jacksons from their start in entertainment back in Gary, Indiana and their subsequent rise to fame, following being "discovered" by Diana Ross and signed to Motown. The Boys grow up, leave Motown for Epic, Michael goes solo and then his hair catches on fire - all the while Joe Jackson is chasing everyone with a tree switch.
While everyone is pretty fabulous, it is Angela Bassett who (as always) practically steals the movie. But look for young performances by Terrence Howard, Holly Robinson Peete, Jason Weave and Bumper Robinson. And of course star wattage from Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs (from "Welcome Back Kotter"), Margaret Avery, Billy Dee Williams (no stranger to working with the Motown folks) and Vanessa Williams.
