Mahogany (1975)

Residing in a Chicago ghetto, a young secretary (Diana Ross) studies fashion at night school and has high ambitions of being a fashion designer. Her dreams are stymied by her boyfriend (Billy Dee Williams) who looks upon her ambition as unimportant compared to his rising political career. When the opportunity arises to go to Rome and model, she grabs it. Directed by the Motown music mogul Barry Gordy. Gordy (who produced the film) took over as director after firing the original director Tony Richardson (TOM JONES) saying he "didn't understand the black experience". Judging by the final result, Gordy did Richardson a favor. If this was the same script Richardson was working from, it was hopeless from the get-go. Ross made a sensational film debut in LADY SINGS THE BLUES (1972) displaying a strong screen presence and showing strong acting chops. Why she chose this creaky melodrama as a follow up, heaven only knows. The film could have been a discarded old Lana Turner script and dusted off with race and kinky sex added to make it up to date. The dialogue is cringe worthy. "Success means nothing without someone you love to share it with" spoken by Billy Dee Williams has got to be the worst movie line since "Love means never having to say you're sorry" from LOVE STORY (1970). The film damaged Ross's film potential and THE WIZ (1978) pretty much buried it. Anthony Perkins as a fey fashion photographer gives a hideous performance, perhaps his worst. The film isn't enjoyable enough to qualify as "camp", one just shivers for the talent involved. With Jean Pierre Aumont, Nina Foch, Beah Richards and Marisa Mell.