Product Details

• Directors: Phoebe Ferguson
• Producers: Phoebe Ferguson
• Format: Color, NTSC
• Region: All Regions
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Bayou and Me Productions
• Run Time: 67 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001TCBKCK
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #220,437 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Filmmaker Phoebe Ferguson, great, great, grand-daughter of Judge John Howard Ferguson (of Plessy vs. Ferguson, the case which instituted segregation in the U.S. for 50 years), uncovers the hidden world of New Orleans' black debutante society. At the center of the story is 17-year-old Marisa, a debutante who has been in training for her role as a Mardi Gras queen since infancy. The love and deep sense of mission her mother and grandmother have provide a window into the heavily ritualized, largely unknown world of the black social clubs of the South. History of the debutante tradition is intertwined with that of national civil rights milestones since the early 1800s, creating a lively look at what families have done to survive against the odds -- and thrive -- over the past 200 years. The film includes Keith Plessy, a relative of Homer Plessy. Phoebe and Keith have recently created the Plessy and Ferguson Foundation. Music for the film was composed by Troy Sawyer.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting! Beautiful! Culturally poignant!, April 9, 2009

By 

A. Fine - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Member of the Club (DVD)

My DVD arrived even sooner than expected!
More importantly, this film was great! Entertaining and insightful, I would highly recommend this documentary to anyone who is interested in New Orleans' culture. An often overlooked and especially charming bit of southern society is highlighted here along with an intriguing peek at the history and lore that created it. I especially loved the old film clips and photographs that were used to illustrate the long and rich heritage behind this elegant tradition. Great seller, great film!! I highly recommend it!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars 'Member Of The Club' trailer, February 16, 2009

By 

Paul Dilosa - See all my reviews

This review is from: Member of the Club (DVD)

Length:: 2:29 Mins

The film gives a look at the African-American debutante and Mardi Gras traditions in New Orleans (including a segment on Zulu), and ties current-day activities to the history of how they came to be. The Original Illinois Club and its ball are featured.