Illusions (1982): Cast & Plot
Illusions is a 1982 short drama directed by Julie Dash, starring Lonette McKee as Mignon Dupree, Rosanne Katon and Ned Bellamy. It runs 34 minutes.
- Released
- Runtime
- 34 min
- Director
- Julie Dash
- Genre
- Drama
- Original language
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English - After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Illusions About?
The premise of Illusions without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
Set in a 1940s Hollywood dubbing studio, the film follows an African American woman who must pass as white to keep her job, confronting racial prejudice, professional pressure, and societal expectations. Through her experience, the short highlights the era’s pervasive lack of Black representation in the film industry and the personal toll of living a concealed identity.
Illusions Themes & Keywords
· 19 tags- passing for white
- hollywood
- national film registry
- african american
- 1940s
- movie studio
- race relations
- independent film
- featurette
- singer
- social commentary
- self sacrifice
+7 more Show fewer
- self reliance
- self discovery
- passion
- melodrama
- friendship
- cross cultural relations
- class differences
Illusions Cast & Characters
Lonette McKee leads the cast as Mignon Dupree, with Rosanne Katon as Esther Jeter and Ned Bellamy as Lieutenant Bedford. Directed by Julie Dash; 8 actors are credited in all.
-
Director Julie Dash
-
Lonette McKee as Mignon Dupree - Rosanne Katon as Esther Jeter
-
Ned Bellamy as Lieutenant Bedford - Jack Rader as C.J. Forrester
Also Starring in Illusions
· 4 more- Johnny Crear Leo Gaines
- Rita Crafts Louise
- Lisa Henke Telephone Operator
- Sandy Brooke Blonde Bombshell
More from Julie Dash
More films directed by Julie Dash, best-rated first: Daughters of the Dust, Incognito, Praise House and Relatives.
Illusions Plot Summary
What happens in Illusions from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 12 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
According to film scholar and critic Clyde Taylor, Illusions plays inventively on themes of cultural, sexual and racial domination. Set in Hollywood in 1942, the era when the studio system crafted an alluring illusion of American history to soothe audiences amid global conflict, the film peels back the gloss of cinema to reveal the machinery behind the fantasy. The narrative centers on a backstage world at National Studios where the illusion is manufactured, not just presented.
Full summary
The whole story of Illusions, scene by scene
How Well Do You Know Illusions?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
In which year is the story of *Illusions* set?
Seen Illusions?
Movies Like Illusions
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including I Passed for White, Passing and Imitation of Life.
Illusions FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast and post-credit scenes of Illusions, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Illusions?
Illusions runs 34 minutes.
When was Illusions released?
Illusions was released on August 30, 1982.
Who directed Illusions?
Illusions was directed by Julie Dash.
More films by Julie Dash Who is in the cast of Illusions?
Illusions stars Lonette McKee as Mignon Dupree, Rosanne Katon as Esther Jeter and Ned Bellamy as Lieutenant Bedford, among 8 credited actors.
Does Illusions have a post-credit scene?
No. Illusions has no extra scene during or after the credits.
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