7.0
Where can I stream Lady Sings the Blues legally?
Lady Sings the Blues is included with a subscription to TCM in the United States. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Lady Sings the Blues fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, a touch of humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension7
- Fast Pace6
- Spectacle5
Heart
Deeply moving and profoundly sad
- Pathos10
- Melancholy10
- Catharsis7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay4
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody2
World
A real life story, the mind, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances, characters, and direction
- Acting9
- Character Depth9
- Direction8
Style
Standout score and cinematography
- Music Centrality10
- Music Composition9
- Cinematography8
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Lady Sings the Blues is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and profoundly sad
Emotionally, it's deeply moving, profoundly sad, and cathartic.
All heart traits
- Pathos10Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy10Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia6Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance5Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics4Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome3Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Hopefulness2Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
LowA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay4Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody2Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumA real life story, the mind, and show business
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around a real life story, the mind, and show business. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Biographical10Lives of notable figures.
- Psychological8Inner worlds and mind games.
- Showbiz8Entertainment industry and performance.
- Historical7Period settings and real events.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Crime6Heists, investigation, and underworld.
Craft
HighStandout performances, characters, and direction
The performances, characters, and direction stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting9Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Fast Pace6Quick tempo and momentum.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
HighStandout score and cinematography
Look and sound: the score and cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Music Centrality10The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Music Composition9Score and musical identity.
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFriends NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
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About
Diana Ross is Billie Holiday. Diana Ross sings Billie Holiday. And a superstar is born.
Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday, beginning with her traumatic youth. The story depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay, her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life.
Tragic BiopicBlues MusicAddiction NarrativeShowbiz DramaJazz AgePowerful PerformanceMelancholy ToneHistorical Setting
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Lady Sings the Blues
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Lady Sings the Blues worth watching?
73
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 74/100 (IMDb 7 and Rotten Tomatoes 73%). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Lady Sings the Blues rated?
RDrug use
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: drug use.
How long is Lady Sings the Blues?
2 h 24 min
Lady Sings the Blues runs 2 h 24 min.
Is Lady Sings the Blues based on a true story?
Yes. It's based on real events or a real person's life.
Do critics and audiences agree on Lady Sings the Blues?
Critics73
Audiences78
Yes. Critics average 73 and audiences 78 out of 100, so both groups see Lady Sings the Blues much the same way.
Was Lady Sings the Blues a box office hit?
Budget$2 million
Box office$20 million
Yes, a big one. It cost about $2 million to make and earned $20 million worldwide, 9.9 times its budget.
What language is Lady Sings the Blues in?
FrenchEnglish
It was made in French, with some English. Produced in United States.