Pearl Bailey, born in 1918, was a celebrated actress known for her vibrant performances in the realm of cult cinema. In St. Louis Blues (1958), she captivates as a singer navigating the complexities of love and ambition, while her role in The Landlord (1970) further showcases her ability to blend humor and heart in a socially charged narrative. Bailey's work in Norman... Is That You? (1976) adds to her legacy, as she delivers a memorable performance that resonates with audiences exploring themes of identity and acceptance. Her contributions to these films highlight her significance in the landscape of exploitation and grindhouse cinema.
Norman... Is That You?
Ben Chambers, a drycleaner, and his wife Beatrice are having marital problems. Beatrice leaves her husband for his brother and Ben decides to take off for New York City to visit his son, Norman. Ben finds his son in a romantic relationship with another man, Garson Hobart. Determined to set his son on the straight and narrow path of heterosexuality, Ben hires Mary, a prostitute, to try to entice his son into pursuing women. The attempt backfires and Ben ultimately comes to the conclusion that his son is gay and that there is nothing he can do to change that. At this point, Beatrice shows up and, unaware of the prior events that have transpired, is shocked to learn her son is gay. She too ultimately comes to accept her son. When Norman joins the Navy, the couple invites Garson to come and live with them, an offer which he accepts.
