A Family Thing

The story

Earl Pilcher Jr. runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.

Cast

R Robert DuvallEarl Pilcher Jr. J James Earl JonesRay Murdock M Michael BeachVirgil I Irma P. HallAunt T. G Grace ZabriskieRuby R Regina TaylorAnn D David KeithSonny X Xander BerkeleySunburned Man J Jacqueline WilliamsWoman at Hospital M Mary JacksonCarrie P Paula MarshallKaren P Phillip Edward Van LearClub Manager

See more cast

M Meg ThalkenDoctor R Richard LexseeTruckjacker J James N. HarrellEarl Pilcher Sr. L Lauren Leigh PhillipsKindra A Ashleigh JordanDanielle S Saundra QuartermanYoung Aunt T. R Rufus ThomasTommy R Reggie HayesVirgil's Friend P Patrice Pitman QuinnWilla Mae D Don JamesJunior Turner J Jim SandersonDr. Parks C Crystal Laws GreenMaotis N Nathan Lee LewisBrother Conners K Katharine MitchellWoman in Apartment W Willo HausmanWaitress J J. Antonio MoonTruckjacker J Jeri BoyleOld Lady T Tommy BushOld Man W Wanda ChristineWoman at City Hall R Roy HytowerMan at Gas Station J John MikelsPoliceman B Bernard MixonBirthday Husband P Paulette McDanielsBirthday Girl A Antoine RoshellYoung Man in Car G Greg HollimonMan #2 A Andrew LoveThe Nightclub Band T Tony BrownThe Nightclub Band T Theodis RodgersThe Nightclub Band D David SpencerThe Nightclub Band E Eddie Bo Smith Jr.Green Mill Bouncer (uncredited)