Having Our Say

By William Tynan

The world first learned of the remarkable Delany sisters in a 1991 New York Times article. Self-described "colored maiden ladies," Sadie, then 103, and Bessie, 101, had overcome daunting obstacles to become successful professionals and lead lives of inspiring grace. Their story was turned into a best-selling book and a Broadway hit show. Now Emily Mann has spun her little two-character play into a glorious panoramic TV movie, joyous and touching. Diahann Carroll plays sweet, pragmatic Sadie with lovely simplicity. In the showier role of the flinty Bessie, Ruby Dee gives as rich and true a performance as you could hope to see, snatching you by the heart and never letting go.

--By William Tynan