Sparkle (1976 film)

Sparkle
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Sam O'Steen
Screenplay by	Joel Schumacher
Story by	Joel Schumacher Howard Rosenman
Produced by	Howard Rosenman
Starring	Irene Cara Philip M. Thomas Lonette McKee Dwan Smith Mary Alice Dorian Harewood Tony King
Cinematography	Bruce Surtees
Edited by	Gordon Scott
Music by	Curtis Mayfield
Production company	RSO
Distributed by	Warner Bros.
Release date	April 7, 1976 (1976-04-07)
Running time	98 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$1 million
Box office	$4 million

Sparkle is a 1976 American musical drama film directed by Sam O'Steen and released by Warner Bros. Pictures. With a plot inspired by the history of the Supremes, Sparkle is a period film set in Harlem, New York, during the late 1950s and early 1960s. It presents the story of a musical girl group that ends up breaking apart due to individual issues each member faces. This film not only "recreates the magic of a special period in American history, but it explores the effect of Harlem's musical and social culture on the rest of the world," as well as the linkages to black power.^[1]

The film stars Irene Cara, Philip Michael Thomas, Lonette McKee, Dwan Smith, Mary Alice, Dorian Harewood, and Tony King. Curtis Mayfield served as the composer and producer of Sparkle's songs and score.^[2]

The film received generally negative reviews at the time of release and was a box office success, making $4 million against a $1 million budget. It has since developed a cult following. The film was remade in 2012 starring Jordin Sparks, Carmen Ejogo, Tika Sumpter, and Whitney Houston in her final film role.