Purlie is a musical based on Ossie Davis' 1961 play Purlie Victorious. In the early days of the civil rights movement, a Southern plantation owner holds his sharecroppers in virtual slavery. Purlie comes home as a preacher who will shake things up and bring freedom to his people. This 1981 television adaptation won a CableACE Award.

Overview
Director
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Robert Guillaume
Purlie

Melba Moore
Lutiebelle

Sherman Hemsley
Gitlow

Linda Hopkins
Sister Hopkins

Rhetta Hughes
Missy

Brandon Maggart
Ol' Cap'n

Don Scardino
Charlie

Clarice Taylor
Idella
LA
Loretta Abbott
Ensemble