Cabin in the Sky (1943)

Cabin in the Sky was an auspicious directorial debut for the young Vincente Minnelli and provided Ethel Waters and Lena Horne with an excellent showcase for their considerable talents. Although the film is often criticized for what today are regarded as stereotypical characteristics (e.g., a weakness for gambling, a childish world view, oversimplified religious beliefs, etc.), overall Minnelli treats the story as the simple folktale it essentially is. His finely honed visual sense is evident in the careful compositions he creates for the camera and in the precise attention to detail in the sets and costumes. Minnelli also keeps the pace moving at a nice clip, although he's not afraid to slow things down when necessary -- as when Waters lovingly and deliberately intones the beautiful "Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe." Waters is wonderful throughout, creating a clearly drawn portrait of a woman whose love for two things -- her man and her religion -- will get her through anything. She punches home her laugh lines like the seasoned pro she is and demonstrates in "Taking a Chance on Love," and the title song, why she was one of the finest singers of her day. Horne matches her every step of the way, exuding an exquisite sultriness and demonstrating in her own numbers that hers is not a voice to be taken for granted. Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is a lovable and winning Joe, and the rest of the cast is quite good. The film's surprise critical success helped Minnelli land the job of directing the classic Meet Me in St. Louis the following year. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide