Maurice Hines began tap dancing as a child, performing with his younger brother Gregory and their father in the popular dance trio Hines, Hines, and Dad. At age 75, when this intimate portrait of the consummate showman ends, Maurice is still dancing, teaching, and choreographing. As the exuberant hoofer says, “My whole life has been in dressing rooms.”
Gregory Hines might be a household name to many because of his movie and television appearances, but according to Debbie Allen, Maurice never stood in Gregory’s shadow. After watching this energetic portrait of the outspoken dancer, singer, actor, director, and choreographer, viewers will come away with huge respect for his longstanding career and learn more about his personal life.
Not unexpectedly, loads of performance footage, both vintage and current, as well as archival photographs, television interviews (sometimes with both brothers), movie clips, and Broadway theater footage decorate the program that contains accolades from Debbie Allen, Chita Rivera, and Mercedes Ellington, among other dancers, actors, friends, and family. Maurice never shies away from expressing candid views about racism, his sexual orientation, family issues, and aging to name a few.
For many years, Maurice and Gregory (who passed away in 2003) were not on speaking terms, but Maurice “never talked about Gregory in a negative light” and sheds little insight into their rift. But that is inconsequential as Maurice is the star of this program that shows through rehearsal, backstage, and concert footage the many projects he has been involved with, including starring with Gregory in Francis Ford Coppola’s Cotton Club and the Broadway production Eubie! He also choreographed Satchmo and other memorable revues and shows.
Despite wanting nothing to mark his 75th birthday, his friends threw him a surprise party that concludes this endearing film, directed by John Carluccio. Awards include the best documentary at the 2020 American Black Film Festival and a Grand Jury Prize at the DOC NYC Festival. Highly Recommended. Editor’s Choice. Aud: C, P.