Purlie is a musical based on Ossie Davis' 1961 play Purlie Victorious. In the early days of the civil rights movement, a Southern plantation owner holds his sharecroppers in virtual slavery. Purlie comes home as a preacher who will shake things up and bring freedom to his people. This 1981 television adaptation won a CableACE Award.

Robert Guillaume
as Purlie

Melba Moore
as Lutiebelle

Sherman Hemsley
as Gitlow

Linda Hopkins
as Sister Hopkins

Rhetta Hughes
as Missy

Brandon Maggart
as Ol' Cap'n

Don Scardino
as Charlie

Clarice Taylor
as Idella

Loretta Abbott
as Ensemble

Brenda Braxton
as Ensemble