I'd never heard this song before Ethel Waters sang it in The Member of the Wedding but it was a hymn I'd never forget. When my mother passed away, I chose the hymns that were to be included in the service and asked a few of the members of the Baptist Church in our neighboring town to come to our church and sing that beloved song. I think my mother would have loved it as much as I did.
I am sheltering in place as I write this (05-11-20). I was crying, but I suddenly needed to hear Ethel Waters sing His Eye is on the Sparrow. Although tears are still in my eyes, they are tears of joy. I know that you passed from us a long while back, but I need to say this now: Bless you and RIP, Ms. Waters.
Many years ago I had the privilege to meet Ethel Waters and listen to her sing. It was something I will never forget, It was 1975, just a couple of years before her death. Although her voice was breathy and whispery by that time, she still filled you heart with love.
As a 10 year old boy having lost my dad to suicide and feeling abandoned, this movie and song carried me through all of the pain realizing that I was seen and known, not forsaken or abandoned.
When I was in broadcasting, I had the honor of interviewing Ms. Julie Harris- and she never forgot the power of what it was like to work on stage with the legendary Ethel Waters. I absolutely love this effort- a visual proof of the true genius of New York Theatre of the 1950s- and have often wished that I could have been there to see it all. Harris is bare in her hormonally-charged, emotionally tormented energy- right down to the real sweat and tears she emits- and one would have to be in absolute denial not to see the fact that a landmark moment in the Performing Arts was taking place before you, and not acknowledge it.
7:00 The first time I heard Mrs. Waters sing this song was on television broadcasting one of Billy Graham's Crusades. Back then we only had black and white screens. Mrs. Waters was one of about three who sang before Mr. Graham gave the message. She sang the song as she sang it here........loving her Jesus. God Bless 💕
Oh, we've lost it, all right. It has been said that the farther a culture gets from God, the scarcer their appreciation of beauty. Look at our fashions, and modern art. Listen to our music. Our bodies are not much more than places for graffiti. Beauty is all but gone.
I always think this film did more for race relations than all the other blatant anti-racist movies of the era. This story shows that love is love, and has no boundaries.
Probably because the Academy had already awarded Hattie McDaniel in 1940 for "Gone With the Wind." This movie came out in 1952 and it was probably too soon for them to award another Black actress...
WOW! The silence that begins this post is .. transformative! I kept looking for sound! for singing.. but had to settle down and follow this narrative. THANK YOU. I was looking for something to post today, Thu Apr 2 /2020 as a PERIODIC PAUSE FOR POSITIVE-ity on my Facebook page. This is Perfect-o! Thank you again. Be safe! Stay well!
I have always loved Ms Waters version of this song. One thing I can’t quite figure out though…how did I manage to live for almost 70 years and NOT see this movie?! I am going to work on correcting that glaring omission this weekend !
.........couldnt help but notice the sweat and how they're able to perform under such heat, particularly Ms Waters, she had 2 heat generators up against her. Strength
the young girl was a very spirited actress great energy a lot of physicality it made her role in this particular scene very believable though what good will it serve you if you gain the world and you lose your soul as far as the character in the story goes but I have never seen this film before and it makes me want to see it and Ethel Waters has a very amazing voice as well she's npt the writer of the song but she does it the best
What's amazing is that Julie Harris, playing a thirteen-year-old girl, was twenty-six years old when the film was made. She had played the role on Broadway (along with Ethel Waters as Berenice and Brandon de Wilde as John Henry) for a year-and-a-half and 501 performances, yet the film is as fresh and exciting as if the actors came to it new.
There's a fascinating TH-cam interview of Julie Harris when she was in her 60s and she began to weep just thinking about how touching it was to play the scene with Ethel Waters.
that boy needed a conking for pulling MissWaters head back like that!!! thanks for the write up before the video - watching the clip i realise the passion she puts into this shines through because she chose that song to sing
I'm doing a paper for school on my favorite African American famous person and I am writing about Ethel Waters!! Or as children called her Mama Waters!
i saw the play the member of the wedding many years ago this es exactly how I imagine the characters i thought the song was not orgenally in it probably was put in for mrs. Waters
You know I read some of the comments below. I'm glad that some of you are so happy with your relationship with him. I, on the other hand, believe that he stopped listening to me long ago. I guess it could be due to the fact that he and I have a long standing fight going. I may not win, but I will never quit, come what may! If this condemns me to hell, so be it. I will never give it my side of this fight even if I never hear his side of it! Clyde
He didn't stop listening to you, Clyde. You stopped listening to him. Start doing what you know he wants you to do and your life will get better. Not rich and free of problems, but peaceful in your soul.
If I were to add every pain of the body, heart and mind that I have ever experienced, into one day, then in truth I have been crucified. Every, cut, bruise, slight, broken bone, broken heart, shattered dream. But I have done it to myself. We all are crucified. That's the whole point. Someone came in the name and showed the way through the pain, the conflict we all create for ourselves. The highest example of man in his relationship to his maker. Patience, long suffering, love, charity, mercy, helpfulness, tolerance, kindness, hope, service, humility and gentleness. Not empty words, but real! Can be grasped, and held, and owned!! Spirit made manifest!!! When you call sincerely, in the name of the one who came to show the way. It's your call. God bless clyde.
+Beth Dawsn - The scene shown here is from The Member of the Wedding, the 1952 film version of Carson McCuller's 1946 novel (of the same name), directed by Fred Zinnemann, and starring Ethel Waters and Julie Harris. Both Waters and Harris recreated the roles they had played in the 1950 stage version. Carson McCullers herself had adapted her novel for the Broadway production, which ran for 501 performances. The screenplay, however, did not use McCullers' stage adaptation, but was written by Edward and Edna Anhalt. (Info from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Member_of_the_Wedding)
I'd never heard this song before Ethel Waters sang it in The Member of the Wedding but it was a hymn I'd never forget. When my mother passed away, I chose the hymns that were to be included in the service and asked a few of the members of the Baptist Church in our neighboring town to come to our church and sing that beloved song. I think my mother would have loved it as much as I did.
I am sheltering in place as I write this (05-11-20). I was crying, but I suddenly needed to hear Ethel Waters sing His Eye is on the Sparrow. Although tears are still in my eyes, they are tears of joy. I know that you passed from us a long while back, but I need to say this now: Bless you and RIP, Ms. Waters.
Bless you too, Son! XXX
Amen
Many years ago I had the privilege to meet Ethel Waters and listen to her sing. It was something I will never forget, It was 1975, just a couple of years before her death. Although her voice was breathy and whispery by that time, she still filled you heart with love.
As a 10 year old boy having lost my dad to suicide and feeling abandoned, this movie and song carried me through all of the pain realizing that I was seen and known, not forsaken or abandoned.
I am so sorry you experienced that David. Big hug to you.
Sinto por sua perda, David! Deus o abençoe!
This song. Makes me cry every time. Espscially when Ethel sings it. You feel spirit through her voice and it beonga comfort in hard times.
When I was in broadcasting, I had the honor of interviewing Ms. Julie Harris- and she never forgot the power of what it was like to work on stage with the legendary Ethel Waters. I absolutely love this effort- a visual proof of the true genius of New York Theatre of the 1950s- and have often wished that I could have been there to see it all. Harris is bare in her hormonally-charged, emotionally tormented energy- right down to the real sweat and tears she emits- and one would have to be in absolute denial not to see the fact that a landmark moment in the Performing Arts was taking place before you, and not acknowledge it.
You can fill Georgia summer heat in the movie.
Love this timeless classic film. ❤❤❤❤❤
Our mama pretty much made us all watch this movie, so glad she knew we'd love it, a favorite ever since, ♡♡♡ peaches
I teared up listening to Ms. Ethel Waters sing this.
john hyun Yeah, I almost started blubbering.
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful moment. John3:16.
7:00
The first time I heard Mrs. Waters sing this song was on television broadcasting one of Billy Graham's Crusades. Back then we only had black and white screens.
Mrs. Waters was one of about three who sang before Mr. Graham gave the message. She sang the song as she sang it here........loving her Jesus. God Bless 💕
What a wonderful lady, actress, and singer. Rip.
Charming! Love Miss Ethel! XXX
Beautiful!! Reminds me of my Grandmother bless her Soul. Tears flowing from my eye's Thank you Good Sir Bless you.
The Beauty of humanity can never be overestimated nor too appreciated. When we forget this then we have lost it.
yes!
Oh, we've lost it, all right. It has been said that the farther a culture gets from God, the scarcer their appreciation of beauty.
Look at our fashions, and modern art. Listen to our music. Our bodies are not much more than places for graffiti. Beauty is all but gone.
THERE'S your Academy Award right there... and she didn't even get a nomination....
Beautiful just beautiful
A classic moment to remember. Thank you.
She was a true soul lady.
that scene is just precious
This simply wonderful. Thank you so much for posting it, says this avowed atheist!
that was onemagnificennt scene for these talented actors really stunning
ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVORITE SONGS♡♡
GREAT MOVIE TOO😉
I always think this film did more for race relations than all the other blatant anti-racist movies of the era.
This story shows that love is love, and has no boundaries.
I have always loved this movie, and mostly because of Ethel Waters. I can never understand why she didn't win an Oscar.
Probably because the Academy had already awarded Hattie McDaniel in 1940 for "Gone With the Wind." This movie came out in 1952 and it was probably too soon for them to award another Black actress...
WOW! The silence that begins this post is .. transformative! I kept looking for sound! for singing.. but had to settle down and follow this narrative. THANK YOU. I was looking for something to post today, Thu Apr 2 /2020 as a PERIODIC PAUSE FOR POSITIVE-ity on my Facebook page. This is Perfect-o! Thank you again. Be safe! Stay well!
😊 😊 I'm very pls to know I'm not the only one that loves😍 👆 the song but when last did you play it 💖
Ethel could sing beautifully, more importantly she knew the Lord, and when she sang it was to Him.
Amen!
debra hubbard Yes‼️I can’t wait to meet my sister someday! When we’re get home of course. ✨🙌🏻😁🙌🏻✨
One of my favorite scenes in films.
No one can sing this song like Waters. She brings the lyrics to life, making that true message breathe. What a joy to listen to that voice.
Love this. Thank you.
I have always loved Ms Waters version of this song. One thing I can’t quite figure out though…how did I manage to live for almost 70 years and NOT see this movie?! I am going to work on correcting that glaring omission this weekend !
You can tell they love her and she loved them. Beautiful scene
VERY, heart touching!
What a wonderful find! Thank you for this, @NedNickerson2010!
Beautiful xx
This is so beautiful.
movingscenewith a gracious gifted singer
love that movie. Book is great too. Thanks
Beautiful 🙏🙏🙏🙏
.........couldnt help but notice the sweat and how they're able to perform under such heat, particularly Ms Waters, she had 2 heat generators up against her. Strength
Doris Leyba j
the young girl was a very spirited actress great energy a lot of physicality it made her role in this particular scene very believable though what good will it serve you if you gain the world and you lose your soul as far as the character in the story goes but I have never seen this film before and it makes me want to see it and Ethel Waters has a very amazing voice as well she's npt the writer of the song but she does it the best
What's amazing is that Julie Harris, playing a thirteen-year-old girl, was twenty-six years old when the film was made. She had played the role on Broadway (along with Ethel Waters as Berenice and Brandon de Wilde as John Henry) for a year-and-a-half and 501 performances, yet the film is as fresh and exciting as if the actors came to it new.
There's a fascinating TH-cam interview of Julie Harris when she was in her 60s and she began to weep just thinking about how touching it was to play the scene with Ethel Waters.
So beautiful
Beautiful
makes me cry, every time. :'-(
Beautiful ❤️
Timeless classic
that boy needed a conking for pulling MissWaters head back like that!!!
thanks for the write up before the video - watching the clip i realise the passion she puts into this shines through because she chose that song to sing
I'm doing a paper for school on my favorite African American famous person and I am writing about Ethel Waters!! Or as children called her Mama Waters!
I cried
Tiffany "Neccessarydiva" Jackson
ME TOO!!!!....EACH & EVERYTIME I HEAR IT!!!...IT NEVER FAILS♡🙏
Miss water the original best singer for whole time gospel
Wow
good music
i saw the play the member of the wedding many years ago this es exactly how I imagine the characters i thought the song was not orgenally in it probably was put in for mrs. Waters
did you read the intro...it explains all that right in the video. she specifically requested this song and got approval to sing it.
Andre Brandon De Wilde (* 9. April 1942 in New York City; † 6. Juli 1972 in Denver) ... poor boy
ETHEL WATERS.
Like Angels singing😂
♥
Mama….1909-1971….
Hope that they're getting enough because the bigger ones are darn sure going to get theirs'.
The Member of the Wedding
You know I read some of the comments below. I'm glad that some of you are so happy with your relationship with him. I, on the other hand, believe that he stopped listening to me long ago. I guess it could be due to the fact that he and I have a long standing fight going. I may not win, but I will never quit, come what may! If this condemns me to hell, so be it. I will never give it my side of this fight even if I never hear his side of it! Clyde
+Clyde Castleberry What disaster befell you? What pain have you had to bear?
+Clyde Castleberry What disaster befell you? What pain have you had to bear?
+Gregory Brien Hi Greg, Life ;)
He didn't stop listening to you, Clyde. You stopped listening to him. Start doing what you know he wants you to do and your life will get better. Not rich and free of problems, but peaceful in your soul.
If I were to add every pain of the body, heart and mind that I have ever experienced, into one day, then in truth I have been crucified. Every, cut, bruise, slight, broken bone, broken heart, shattered dream. But I have done it to myself. We all are crucified. That's the whole point. Someone came in the name and showed the way through the pain, the conflict we all create for ourselves. The highest example of man in his relationship to his maker. Patience, long suffering, love, charity, mercy, helpfulness, tolerance, kindness, hope, service, humility and gentleness. Not empty words, but real! Can be grasped, and held, and owned!! Spirit made manifest!!! When you call sincerely, in the name of the one who came to show the way. It's your call. God bless clyde.
Whats the name of the film, please???
Please..
It's listed in the video at 2:15. "The Member of the Wedding" (1952).
+Beth Dawsn - The scene shown here is from The Member of the Wedding, the 1952 film version of Carson McCuller's 1946 novel (of the same name), directed by Fred Zinnemann, and starring Ethel Waters and Julie Harris. Both Waters and Harris recreated the roles they had played in the 1950 stage version. Carson McCullers herself had adapted her novel for the Broadway production, which ran for 501 performances. The screenplay, however, did not use McCullers' stage adaptation, but was written by Edward and Edna Anhalt. (Info from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Member_of_the_Wedding)
Was this part of a tv show or movie? I really want to watch this is if it exists other than a for the song.
+Phoenix Deux It's a scene from the 1952 movie "The Member of the Wedding." It airs occasionally on Turner Classic Movies (TCM).
+NedNickerson2010 thanks a lot. Sadly I don't know that channel since I live in the UK.
+Phoenix Deux I see the DVD listed on Amazon.com/uk. You might try that.
+NedNickerson2010 Thanks.
The singing is beautiful.
The child pulling on her head...
Oh no no.
it's a movie and was rehearsed many times.
GOOD SCENE...JULIE HARRIS..
I love Ms. Waters and the song, but the other actress makes me want to scream and run away.
Yashaya son of the most high Ahaya
A superb film
Beautiful