This is a reworking of the Wizard of Oz, but transposed to New York and based on the Broadway musical version. This has an African-American cast with a mix of songs from the stage musical and some new songs. This is quite a dark version of the story and so pitched at an Adult audience. It is set in a version of New York rather than a magical land. One problem with the film is that Diana Ross was 33 when she made it and so is not really convincing as Dorothy. The original choice of director withdrew after the casting of Diana Ross as he thought the age was a problem. Sidney Lumet was brought in and was an unusual choice as hemainly directed dramatic films and not musicals. Michael Jackson is the scarecrow in his only feature film role. The film was a flop at the box office and lost money for Universal Pictures.
Lena Horne
Richard Pryor 
3/5