Then there is Mandingo, one of the most controversial films of the Blaxploitation era. Startling and over the top. But the film's riveting as it uncovers the sadistic brutalities that Hollywood's traditional plantation dramas ignored or glossed over. It's rarely seen.

Deeply saddened by the passing of the great Aretha. I remember so well her warmth and graciousness and her queenly sense of privacy when I interviewed her at her home in Detroit many years ago. She was an extraordinary artist and person. There will never be another like her.

Sad to hear about the death of Diahann Carroll--who was more of a groundbreaker than most may realize, not only with her groundbreaking television series JULIA but also her Tony for Broadway's NO STRINGS as well as her moving Oscar-nominated performance in CLAUDINE. She also . .

. . . continued a glamorous tradition upheld by Lena Horne and Dorothy Dandridge. During interviews with her, I was always struck by her intelligence and her awareness of Hollywood culture---as well as the events of the world. She was well-informed and eager to express her . .

. . . opinions. A one of a kind star.

Donald Bogle Hi Prof. Bogle, just wanted to say how much your class has meant to me. One of the best I've taken.

Tonight marks the close of TCM's September Star of the Month series on the great DOROTHY DANDRIDGE---which I've co-hosted each Sunday. See Dandridge in ISLAND IN THE SUN and THE DECKS RAN RED. Magnetic. Mysterious. Glamorous. Glorious. Audiences are dazzled by her all over again.

On TCM tonight at 8 pm, ET, I'll be cohosting--with Ben Mankiewicz--my series on Noteworthy African American Performances. First film tonight is Cry, the Beloved Country, starring Canada Lee, with a young Sidney Poitier.I'm scheduled to be on TCM every Wednesday during February.

Night Three of my TCM series on Noteworthy African American Performances starts tonight at 8 pm, ET. I cohost with Ben Mankiewicz. The films: STARS IN MY CROWN; THE PAWNBROKER; IN THIS OUR LIFE (with Ernest Anderson and a moving performance by Hattie McDaniel); and SUPER FLY.

Night Four of my TCM series Noteworthy African American Performances starts tonight at 8 pm, ET. I cohost with Ben Mankiewicz. The films: TAKE A GIANT STEP (with Johnny Nash and Ruby Dee); A SOLDIER'S STORY; the 1976 SPARKLE (with a dazzling Lonette McKee); and BROKEN STRINGS.

A special day! 99 years ago, the great iconic Dorothy Dandridge was born--on November 9, 1922. May we never forget her magnetic performance in Carmen Jones--nor her legendary presence as she altered the landscape of Hollywood films.

Today's also special because a new edition of my book DOROTHY DANDRIDGE: A BIOGRAPHY--now considered a classic Hollywood biography--has been published with a new introduction about the history of the book and those who were unable ever to forget her. DANDRIDGE IS BACK!

Thinking of the great DOROTHY DANDRIDGE. Sadly, on this day in 1965, she died. It was quite moving to write a new introduction for the new edition of my book DOROTHY DANDRIDGE: A BIOGRAPHY. In a Zoom for my publisher, I discussed Dandridge. youtube.com/watch?v=k80o5g…

I'll be on TCM tonight, November 5th, co-hosting with Ben Mankiewicz the new Reframed series. I'll be introducing I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG and the 1934 IMITATION OF LIFE with Louise Beavers and Fredi Washington and Claudette Colbert. I'll be back on TCM November 13th!

Thinking about the great DOROTHY DANDRIDGE who was born on November 9, 1922. Today marks her 100th birthday. May she rest in peace and power. You can read about Dandridge's extraordinary life in my book DOROTHY DANDRIDGE: A BIOGRAPHY, now out in a new edition.

Tonight at 8 pm ET, I'll be cohosting with Ben Mankiewicz on TCM. I'll be introducing FLOWER DRUM SONG with the fabulous Nancy Kwan, Miyoshi Umeki, and James Shigeta and GUESS WHO'S COMING TO DINNER with the one and only Sidney Poitier. A continuation of TCM's REFRAMED series.

Honored to receive the Robert Osborne Award at the TCM film festival, April 15th. A glorious night! Thrilled to be introduced by legendary actor Lou Gossett whose brilliant work always inspires me--and my dear friend producer Debra Martin Chase. Loved the audience ovation!

Thinking of Dorothy Dandridge on what would have been her 101st birthday. Thinking also of the nearly six years it took to write her biography. A deliriously wonderful time in my life. Her legend lives on!

Excited to do a book signing of my new book LENA HORNE: GODDESS RECLAIMED at Film Forum on Sunday, December 17th, at 2:35. I'll introduce STORMY WEATHER with Lena and an all-star cast! Afterwards I'll sign copies of my book on the great Lena Horne.

Thinking of the one and only, incredible Dorothy Dandridge on her birthday--born November 9, 1922. May she rest in peace!