Tiny & Ruby: Hell Divin’ Women
What the Critics are Saying
Vibrant, sassy and evocative. — City Limits (London)
I’ve seen International Sweethearts of Rhythm three times now and its spin-off, Tiny and Ruby: Hell Divin’ Women, twice. They get better each time. — Bay Area Reporter
A great, lively, down and gritty production… An extremely well done independent production. — AFVA Evaluations
Selected Festivals, Awards and TV Broadcasts
San Francisco Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 1989 (Audience Favorite Award)
Best Documentary at Festival International de Films de Femmes Paris
Silver Plaque Award, Chicago International Film Festival
Finalist, American Film and Video Festival
1989 Berlin International Film Festival, Panorama Section
Shown at over 100 film festivals world-wide.
Broadcast in 11 countries including Britain, France, Germany, Holland, USA and Zimbabwe.
About the Film
Profiling legendary jazz trumpeter Tiny Davis and her partner of over 40 years, drummer-pianist Ruby Lucas, “Tiny & Ruby: Hell Divin’ Women” weaves together rare jazz recordings, live performances, vintage photographs, and narrative poetry by Cheryl Clarke.
The film documents Tiny Davis’ contribution to jazz history in an informal, intimate style in which the 78-year-old demonstrates that her chops and humor were both quite intact for the filming of this treasure trove of stories, sounds and images.
Produced and directed by Greta Schiller and Andrea Weiss. Produced in association with Channel 4 (UK).
DVD includes all three titles: “International Sweethearts Of Rhythm”, “Tiny & Ruby: Hell Divin’ Women” and “Maxine Sullivan: Love To Be In Love” and includes bonus interview with the filmmakers at Lincoln Center, New York, on the 20th Anniversary release of the newly restored master, hosted by New York Women in Film and TV.
