The Blues Under the Skin

A 1973 drama-documentary hybrid following a young couple whose fight for happiness together is thwarted by poverty and prejudice, interwoven with performances from legendary blues musicians.

Directed by Roviros Manthoulis, this 1973 French production blends documentary and drama to portray a young couple, played by Onike Lee and Roland Sanchez, battling poverty and prejudice as they try to build a life together. The film is enriched by appearances from celebrated blues musicians including Brownie McGhee, Sonny Terry, Robert Pete Williams, Mance Lipscomb, Furry Lewis and Roosevelt Sykes. A hybrid of music documentary and fiction, it offers both a love story and a portrait of the blues tradition.