Darnell Martin

Darnell Martin is a writer and director of TV and film. She is best known for I Like It Like That, Prison Song, and Cadillac Records, a period piece about the rise of Chess Records in Chicago, with Jeffrey Wright in a stunning turn as blues musician Muddy Waters.

Films


Wish You Well

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(2015)

A young girl and her brother come of age at their great-grandmother's house in Virginia during the 1940s.

The Lost Valentine

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(2011)

A jaded TV reporter, Susan Allison receives a sentimental Valentine's Day news assignment: the story of Caroline Thomas, who has waited 60 years for her pilot husband — declared missing in action during World War II — to return to her.

Cadillac Records

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(2008)

In 1947 Chicago, Polish emigrant and bar owner Leonard Chess (Adrien Brody) hires a blues combo that includes guitarist Muddy Waters (Jeffrey Wright) and harmonica player Little Walter (Columbus Short). Waters' and Walter's success leads to Chess' management of stars Etta James (Beyoncé Knowles), Howlin' Wolf (Eamonn Walker), Chuck Berry (Yasiin Bey, and others. Inevitably, business and personal lines blur as the sometimes-turbulent lives of the musicians play out.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

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(2005)

A drama set in the 1920s, where free-spirited Janie Crawford's search for happiness leads her through several different marriages, challenging the morals of her small town. Based on the acclaimed novel by Zora Neale Hurston.

Prison Song

Stream on YouTube
(2001)

A young man lives and learns while growing up on the street and in and out of correctional facilities.

I Like It Like That

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(1994)

Lisette and her husband Chino face marital difficulties. She is fed up with the kids, while he has job troubles. His mother Rosaria hates Lisette and a neighbor has designs on Chino. Things get even worse when Chino goes to jail and Lisette gets a good job uptown. Can this marriage be saved?