The Piano Lesson
PG“To their family, it meant more than a piano... it was their legacy and their future.”
1995·95 min·Released
Studio: Craig Anderson Productions, Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Hearst Entertainment Productions, Signboard Hill Productions
7.6TMDb
Available on
Theatrical Feb 5, 1995
Overview
1930's Pittsburgh, a brother comes home to claim "my half of the piano", a family heirloom; but his sister is not wanting to part with it. This is a glimpse of the conditions for African-Americans as well as some of the attitudes and influences on their lives. But whether he is able to sell the piano so that he can get enough money to buy some property and "no longer have to work for someone else" involves the story (or lesson) that the piano has to show him.
Crew
DirectorLloyd Richards
Cast
Charles S. Dutton
Boy Willie
Alfre Woodard
Berniece Charles
Carl Gordon
Doaker
Tommy Hollis
Avery
Lou Myers
Wining Boy
Courtney B. Vance
Lymon
Zelda Harris
Maretha
Rosalyn Coleman
Grace
Tommy Lafitte
Ace
Lynne Innerst
Miss Ophelia
Harold Surratt
Papa Willie Boy
Jackson Nunn
Horse Trainer-Owner (uncredited)
Elva Branson
Mama Berniece
Tim Hartman
Sutter
Ben Tatar
Watermelon Man
Alice Eisner
Watermelon Lady
Bob Tracey
Nolander
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Keywords
piano lessonsplaying pianopiano
Details
TMDb Votes
7
Added May 14, 2026Updated Jun 4, 2026