Customer Reviews

The Old Settler [VHS]

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I first caught "The Old Settler" on TV several years back and enjoyed this comedy-drama thoroughly. I was thrilled to find out it was available on home video. Starring one of my favorite actresses, the beautiful Phylicia Rashad and her equally talented sister, Debbie Allen (who directed), "The Old Settler" is the story of a Harlem spinster in her late 40s-early 50s (Rashad) who sees a last chance at love and marriage when she meets a younger man in his early 20s named Husband (Bumper Robinson), fresh from the country, who becomes their houseguest during World War II. The spinster Elizabeth and Husband hit it off as friends right away, but soon the situation evolves into something more. At first, Elizabeth is reluctant to get involved with the young man, but Husband's charm wins her over. However, there are several folks out there who are frowning upon their relationship, and they refer to Elizabeth as an "old settler"...a popular term in the 1940s for an older woman who has never been married and has zero prospects for such.

Debbie Allen plays Rashad's skeptical divorced younger sister, Quilly, who doesn't trust Husband and disapproves of her sister's behavior when it comes to him. However, when you hear the possible reason why Elizabeth was still single at her age, you dislike Quilly somewhat and are rooting for Elizabeth and Husband to make it as a couple. But by the time the film ends, Quilly redeems herself. Plus Husband has baggage of his own: his ex, a woman his own age (Crystal R. Fox). Since moving to Harlem, she has gone from being a quiet country girl to a worldly woman who loves the nightlife. She can seemingly control Husband with an action or a word. She proves to be the catalyst in this May-December love story.

Without revealing too much more of the movie, "The Old Settler" proves one again that Phylicia and Debbie working together make an excellent team. Debbie is especially humorous...her little quips had me laughing. I highly recommend this film, and it IS available on DVD...you just have to hunt for it! Well worth the purchase.

Phylicia Rashad plays "the old settler" (an outdated phrase meaning spinster). In the early 40's Elizabeth (Phylicia Rashad) takes in a young male boarder to help pay the rent. Her querulous sister who also lives with her doesn't like it. Elizabeth is middle aged and he's twenty something. But they fall in love. He has another woman in his life, someone closer to his age. He came to Harlem looking for her. She's changed from a country girl to a worldly woman. Who will he choose?

I ran across this movie quite by accident, and I am glad that I did. I really loved it. The acting by the sisters,(Allen and Rashad) were nothing short of outstanding. My only thing is at the end, I wasn't sure whether or not Husband was reluctant to meet up or if Ms Rashad's character changed her mind. I like to feel that the military probably caught up with him and took him.After all, it was during the Second World War, and not many were exempt from service. That was my only concern. Other than that, I loved it. My other problem is the fact that back in the day, ladies that never married were treated real bad and called "settlers". I felt that was real disrespectful. I was so glad though to see a young brother fall for Ms Rashad's character, and was applauding it all the way. I am so glad that it don't apply today. Kudos to the cast for this movie.

Older women, just remember one thing:If a younger man you may be interested in continues to compare you to his mother, be wary. Did this guy want a second mom or a partner for life? I'm not saying younger men and older women are incompatible - but his maturity level would definitely have to factor into the equation. However, I enjoyed the movie. It was funny, very entertaining. There is just something about old-fashioned settings that I adore in movies like this - I guess it is because those values and ideas presented in them are long lost, and we'll never retrieve them, except thru this avenue. LOVED IT!!!

The was such a great movie to watch, at times very emotional. I thought both Debbie and Phylicia was wonderful in this movie, but Phylicia deserves an Oscar for the part she played. Love them both and just wanted to say they did a wonderful job. Can't wait to see them both appear in something else together. BIG UPS to both Debbie, Phylicia and the rest of the cast.
Lynn

These two sisters worked well together. It has the feel of a play but it is a movie. It leaves you thinking about the choices your mother had and how things are different now.

"The Old Settler" will make you laugh,cry and think. It's a love story on several levels. It explores the love between sisters. The last chance at love for an "old maid", which is what an old settler is in today's terms. And also the older woman younger/ man love affair. It's both comedy and drama. And don't look for Claire Huxtable. She is not home. This is set in depression era Harlem. And it will hold your attention from beginning to end. A great story with an even greater cast! Kudos.

This film was just what I expected it to be.. great story, actors and of course directing. Debbie Allen has showcased her directing skills continually including, directing her sister Phylicia Rashad in a remake of Pollyanna, "Polly", also a great movie. I guess siblings can work together. Keep up the good work my sisters. Looking forward to your next project.

I saw The Old Settler on my local PBS affiliate and it's pretty solid movie. Good acting on the part of Rashad and her sister (I've forgotten her name) I've seen this film quite a while ago and was hoping it would be on DVD but it's not yet.