In February, 1962, as the civil rights movement reaches Bayonne, Louisiana, a New York journalist arrives to interview Jane Pittman, who has just turned 110. She tells him her story dating back to her earliest memories before slavery ended. In between the chapters of her life, the present-day struggles of Blacks in Bayonne, urged on by Jimmy, are dramatized.

Cicely Tyson
as Jane Pittman

Eric Brown
as Jimmy (age 7)

Richard Dysart
as Master Bryant

Joel Fluellen
as Unc Isom

Will Hare
as Elbert Cluveau

Katherine Helmond
as Lady at House

David Hooks
as Colonel Dye

Elinora B. Johnson
as Mary

Warren Kenner
as Job

Dudley Knight
as Trooper Brown