The movie is effective as long as it sticks to the movie "Rain" script that it is adapted from. Unfortunately when it strays, it becomes pointless and dull. I suspect that director Spenser Williams didn't want to offend his audience with a portrayal of a Reverend lusting after a prostitute. Franchette Everett is excellent as Gertie. She brings the type of sensuality to the film that really lifts it up. It is a shame that she was not given more song and dance numbers. Franchette was called the most beautiful woman in Harlem and should have been a big star in Hollywood, but she refused to take racist roles.
Review of Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A.
