A Raisin in the Sun

Guide Note

A Raisin in the Sun is a film based on the ctitically acclaimed play of the same name, written by Lorraine Hansberry.

Fast Facts

1. Starring: Sidney Poitier, Claudia McNeil, Ruby Dee, Diana Sands, Ivan Dixon, and John Fiedler
2. Director: Daniel Petrie
3. Producer: Philip Rose and David Susskind
4. Released: September 18, 1961
5. Run time: 128 mins.
6. Based on the play by Lorraine Hansberry

Walter Lee Younger is unhappy with his place in life. He lives in a small apartment with his wife Ruth, mother Lena, sister Beneatha, and son Travis. The death of Lena's husband, the family patriarch, has provided the family a financial windfall in the form of a life insurance settlement. Walter Lee sees the money as an opportunity to invest in a "Can't miss" business proposition, while mother Lena wishes to use the money to invest in the family by buying a house. Lena puts her trust Walter Lee to make the right decision, as the choices he makes will shape the future of the Younger family for generations.