I am Dr. Yvonne S. Thornton, M.D., M.P.H., Sc.D.(hon), FACOG, FACS, one of "The Ditchdigger's Daughters". I am thrilled that so many have viewed the movie and have finally found it after so many years. Those who want the entire story of my parents and my sisters should read the award-winning original BOOK (by the same name) upon which this movie was based. The TV-movie only covers about 10% of the book. If you want the full inspirational story, the book is the best way to go. I wish you well and have a wonderful day!! Keep dreaming, keep studying, keep focusing.
+Jacob Hill Good evening, Mr. Hill: I am the author of the book upon which this movie is based. Yes! This is a true story. Unbelievable, but true. From the tenements of East Harlem to the lofty towers of an Ivy League medical school, this story is about attaining the American dream for me and my sisters (thanks to my determined parents). The book of the same name is more comprehensive, if you wish to read it.
+Yvonne Thornton i am honored by your legacy i pray that our black men of today look at the courage conviction strength and fortitude of your father. shalom
Carl Lumbly is an UNDERRATED actor of our time. His performance in this film was exceptional! Still watching this in 2020! He brought the book to life!
He played Little Richard's Dad too. I also think he played Congressman Ron Dellums in the Color of Friendship. LOL. He always plays the rough and stern characters in the films.
Every time I see this movie it brings tears to my eyes he loved his daughters so much he wanted them to be somebody in this cold cruel world and he made it happen he was a father a husband and a provider even though he wasn't educated he wanted better for his children. beautifully written and a true story.
He dedicated his whole life to ensuring that his daughters succeeded at a time in this country when it was very rare for women to become doctors and unheard of for a black woman to be a doctor or lawyer. He may have seemed harsh on the surface but this was a man who dearly loved his children and would stop at nothing to make sure that they succeeded. Their success opened the door for other black women. A beautiful story. Thank you for uploading.
Good afternoon, Ms. Owenby: Thank you for your kind sentiments. You're right, my Dad was protective and demanding. But, he had to be given what the world was like for dark-skinned Black women. I hope you had the opportunity to read the memoir upon which the movie was based. It contains the whole story and not just the intergenerational conflict between one of my sisters and my Dad. I appreciate your comments. Have a lovely day! Sincerey, Dr. Thornton
Yeah that’s the good part but I didn’t understand why the father wasn’t proud of the one that was going to school to become a psychiatrist ? They make more then a nurse .🤷🏽♀️
@@storkdiva Dr. Thornton, thank you for sharing your story which is such an inspiration. It reminds me so much of my own story after coming to the states as a teen.❤️
Well it is honestly harsh to deprive your kids of playing and fun activities(that's what childhood should be about even animal young play for hours it's key to a healthy mind) Also when the women are over 20 years old trying to dictate their career paths they will be stuck with for the rest of their lives without giving them a choice is the epitome of unfair.
Destinee Greer Yes but he went about it the wrong way. There's a way to encourage your children without being overbearing and controlling. He made them feel like they won't be successful unless they're doctors and that's not true.
I've never seen this movie until now ,it is a very heart overwhelming movie. A strong ,true, and real oriented family movie.Thank-you so much for sharing this and also responding to different comments.
Dear Rockchick128: I don't understand how you can criticize my Dad based on a movie. "He went about it the wrong way?" I don't know what that means back in the 1950s and 1960s when 50% of black girls in our neighborhood were pregnant by the age of 15. He loved us, he stayed with us, he protected us and he guided us with his wisdom to become independent, successful and accomplished women. If that is the wrong way, then I'm glad he was "wrong". Have a nice evening. Sincerely, Dr. Thornton
this was a great movie. very inspirational for me and my future. i was a rebel like Jeanette im sure my parents had the best intentions but after awhile you develop your own way of thinking and begin to challenge the way you're being raised. i moved out at 19 and never returned home it was the best decision of my life.
Imani Dillard ikr? Did these people watch this movie? If half of these commentators lived under that roof they’d flip out and cry! Poor Jeanette. I’m shocked she became a psychiatrist and not an addict.
I Love this movie. I love the principles the father tried to teach his daughters and foster sister. Priceless . He was hard on his daughters, but a man with a vision on where he wanted his daughter to be in the future.
Thank you, Ms. Smalls. My parents love of education HAS allowed all of us to succeed into the next generation. My son AND daughter are both physicians and they are helping people and healing them in ways that can only come from caring. God Bless You!! Have a wonderful day. The book is so much better and I hope you have an opportunity to read the memoir. Take care, Dr. Thornton
Ressie Galletes Thank you so much, I looked for this movie for 2 years, the first time I saw it, it aired on tv. I have seen it about six times already.... I know a black family he had 3 boys and 4 girls and they are all doctors today MD standing strong....
What a wonderful family. Their dad lived every moment to insure his daughters had a future full of hope, dignity and a profession everyone respects.Their mom was loving and supportive. Thank you for this video. Glad to know millions will see how families should be.
I remember this movie from when I was a little girl. It is still so inspirational and has more meaning to me now that I'm a mother. Thanks for uploading!
Beautiful!! This reminds me of my own great father who also stressed Education and Being the Best! Brought back fond memories of both my father and mother who were married 52 yeast before they passed. They were the best parents in the World!! Amen!!🌏
Dear Ms. Morris: Thank you for your kind words. I'm so sorry for your loss. If you have time to read the book, you should know the whole story. It is much better than the movie and gives a better insight to the reasons behind my parents' philosophy for child-rearing. Take care, Dr. Thornton
i want to say a special thanks to the person that uploaded this movie. i was just about 11 years old and from the caribbean when i first saw this movie and for many many years try to see it once more but never did until today. so after 18 years of looking i finally got my wish. stay bless all you wonderful folks
Michael Anthony Trapp Hi, Michael: Eleven years old?! Wow! I am glad that the movie had such an impact at such an early age. I was just wondering whether you have ever read the book these past 18 years? Have a great day. Best regards, Dr. Thornton
Michael Anthony Trapp I was around the same age when I first saw this movie. It is by far my favorite movie of all time. I am diligently searching for a hard copy of this film!
Michael Anthony Trapp I watched this film for the first time tonight, and I can understand why you searched to re-watch it for 18 years. It was so inspiring and speaks to many areas of the psychological issues of the self fulfilling prophecy of the black woman. Many people blame social environment for the strength or weakness of character, but this film truly shows how strong a black woman can be if raised by a strong black father in the home. I wish I had a father like him.
Dr. Thorton: To say I am enjoying this movie is putting it mildly. Your father was a hero. He knew what needed to be done. No nonsense for him. He raised all of you beautifully, along with your mom. Today's kids think they know it all, have it all and want more. All they know is facebook, social media, instagram, selfies. They know nothing about hard work. I was raised in the 60's. I went to work when I was 13. I just wonder out loud what is to become of this younger generation who at the age of 2 know abut Ipads and Iphones. They can't even write properly, let alone spell a word. Anyway, your story inspires me. Thanks so much.
@@KidSnivy69 "Pushing too hard". I think not. Parents don't "push" enough today. To be the best that you can be requires sacrifice and persistence. My parents had both and thanks to them "pushing hard", we became successful, independent and accomplished black women. Regards, Dr. Thornton
wow IAM missing my father and this movie is full therapy for me thank you so much Thornton family your a real genuine Blessing..... I have overcome so many TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS and this movie I can't say how much I appreciate it being in my life....
The Joe Jackson of medicine. Its funny when you become adults you can appreciate his parenting style because all he wanted was his daughters to be successful and not struggle. But as children you dont understand and you think he was being controling. I wish I had a father like him. He loved his girls and just wanted the best.
yes you're right especially since they're black and women he didn't want them to just be another clichéd stereotype the 3 M's mammies maids and mommas and yes he was a little similar to Joe Jackson in a way
Never get tired of this movie. I had forgotten this song,haven't heard it in years. Brought many memories. Thank you for bringing this back in 8-24-2021
"I L❤VE this movie!" After watching it many times, I still can't hold back my tears. Literally, the parents honestly worked themselves to an early passing. Without the words, that is called, love.
This is my favorite moving of all time it's a heart warming story of a father's love. I'm a author and I can only hope to write stories like these but everyday I'm working on it. This story definitely inspires me
Praise God, this movie was heart warming. I let my daughters and son know that mother will only pay for college if you're studying to be a doctor, lawyer, nurse, or teacher. I try not to be too hard on my children, and I make sure that I tell them that I love them as well as show it. Kisses and be blessed.
Making great sacrifices so your children can have a better chance in life to succeed is a wonderful deed indeed. To live out your dreams through your children is the flip side. In my opiniin, he was way too harsh with Jeanette, he was unforgiving and bitter towards her. We only have one life to live, our paths, our goals and success should not be dictated by another, only guided. True success is measured by one's happiness. I told my children to follow their passion because one can only truly be happy and succeed when one loves what they're doing. My 7yr old said "so I can work at a check-out at the store?" to which my eldest replied "sure, as long as you not only own the store but mall too!" Now that's what I like....you go girls! Whatever makes you happy! ♥
Hi just want u to know I miss my father an his name was George we call him babyred. I miss him an it's a miracle I saw your comment. It's the name that put a smile on my face an u to. I feel my daddy George letting me know he here now with me an that everything going to be OK. Have a great weekend boo I'm so sad I miss that man. I'm his baby girl in my 40'$ lol 😂. 🍀 ☀ 🍀🍀 🍀🍀🍀 🎁 Have a nice weekend!
I love this movie,the father is great in this movie,a little hard on them,but a father with all them girls has to be.😊 I love the fact that he wanted his girls to be something in life,not just "maids,mammies, and mama's. Right or wrong,he did have a point. We need more father's like him today.😊
Perhaps they were then. Until the late 50s, the only decent options for white women were shop girls, waitress, nurse, secretary or teacher. They expected to quit these jobs once they married. You were not allowed to go to nursing school if you were married. Before the 50s things were even worse. No job, no power over your own life. It was nearly impossible for the ordinary woman to leave a bad marriage. Going further back only shows more limits, barely educated and if a woman ran away from a bad marriage she could be hunted and returned to the husband as his property. The women's movement and right to vote, just as the civil rights movement were inevitable. ~I applaud the Doctor's father. The job of a parent is to provide the opportunity to their children to be the best they can and to be able to carry on when the parents are gone. ~~My opinions and many might disagree but that's ok :)
I was in prison when I came across this book for the first time. Read it several times and passed it around. I encourage African Americans to get away from that urban novel bull crap and try good reading that fulfilling that's building your mind spirit and soul. I loved this book. The movie could've been better but at least we got to see a visual of the book. Thankyou
I just wish Jeanette could've had a better relationship with her dad before he died. This ending didn't make me cry but hurt instead. Great movie though.
[fijiqueen ] exactly he should have fixed things with her when they had there last conversation instead of him whining about the past and Talking about " look at all the time you waisted
kameron henderson exactly she didnt waste time she found what she loved doing through psychology smh I was mad when he said that maybe he didnt have a full understanding of how flexible psychology is...who knows...
Don't Worry, He can see all that she achieved from Heaven. and the girls will always carry their parents love in their hearts. Even if he did say it out loud. In every way "He showed them, better then tell them" as the old folks say.
It brings tears to my eyes and cheeks because the father tried so hard for all his children especially the last daughter and she defies him with all her heart but yet ended up becoming a doctor ... she literally gives her mother a heart attack and have the nerves to put up her picture at the end..
Wow, props to Mr. and Mrs. Thornton. Mr. Thornton's focus and dermination were astounding. Very few people in Harlem understood at the time that the neighbourhood had indeed changed, and that the negative changes would intensify. He may have been hard in some of his approaches, but it took that and then some to be utterly dedicated to his daughters' futures. His neighbours in Harlem who weren't anywhere near as vigilant with their children ended up with descendants in the 3rd, 4th and 5th generations residing in housing projects and becoming grandmothers at age 35.
He was a hard man. I think he tried to teach his girls what his momma didnt teach her tiffling girls. He was a strong black man that built a strong family. Him and Jennete were alot alike... Bless them!
@@ForrestFox626 I agree. I don't like how he was so hard on Jennet. The part mentioned where he didn't want them to be taken advantage of by a man.... Was their mom on to something when she worried the man using them was HIM? Even if unintentional, was he?
You really suppose to raise your children like adults...not like children...so when they are ready to go out into the world...they will have the mind of a grown adult.
I agree. My father taught us as children that, "we were being prepared for the class and profession for which we wanted to belong." We continue to pass this mind-set on to our children.
This movie is more inspirational than a lot of movies I have seen. Proves hard work, vision, integrity and love really make things happen. Shame on me with all my university qualifications and yet barely making ends meet cause of my laziness and wasting my time of stupid things. So much to learn from this story. Thank you for the upload. I will also read up more Dr Yvonne Thornton. How awe inspiring
I love the fact that he did not coddle or spoil them, he gave it to them straight about how the real world was, didn't sugarcoat nary a thing. He pushed them to be their absolute greatest. ❤❤❤
Thank you for your comment. You are so right! Our Dad (and Mom) didn't coddle us because they knew the world wasn't going to coddle us. We were prepared and ready for whatever was out there for us and we succeeded thanks to our parents. Have a wonderful day and I hope you have some time to read the book. It's actually better than the movie. Take care and so long for now. Sincerely, Dr. Thornton
I just love how beautiful my ppl are!!! I got so much out of watching this movie years ago..I was that parent that pushed and pushed my kids til one day I was sitting in the bleachers at my son's bball game and I happened to look up and seen how sad my son looked he had a look of this ain't my heart or my love..looking back now if I hadn't of woke up and realized that it's OK if my kids didn't want to be what I wanted them to be..here it is 2018 BOTH my young adults are in college doing excellent doing what THEY want to do..my daughter is at Spellman premed and my son is here at UofL criminal law ♡♡♡
This is a deep movie I loved it down to the last second. Sad yes it was but it motivates people and show me them you can excel no matter where you come from! Personally I think he was hard on Jeanette because she was just like him strong minded 🤦🏾♂️ but you ladies made his dreams come true
the father was a good father but he was a little strict and hurtful. he did not want the daughters to go outside and play with other kids. kids need to interact with others for natural human interaction and development
Hat Sheshupt having a similar dad. I understand his intentions. When you see potential in your children you do what you feel is best for your kids to keep them on there path to greatness. My dad is deceased now and it took his death to make me realize his strictness had good intentions I was just to rebellion to heed to it because now I regret it. He saw something in me that I didn't see in myself.
+Sam Brooks my father paid for my date. I was very socially conscious & was against prom in our dysfunctional school and my parents convinced me to go. a white classmate wanted to go with me but my father wasn't having that
I never saw this movie until today. This is wonderful! Very wonderful! My children want to be an architect, veterinarian, a world class chef and a police officer. anything is possible. God bless them and I pray my children become just that! I will now buy the book and read it to my kids too. Thanks for sharing this. :)
I so love this movie. I myself was very hard on my children and still am. It made my daughter rebel a little, but now that she has a daughter she see why I did it. God Bless you and your family.
Sad to say, but I have never heard of this movie. He was tough on his daughters but he was determined for them to be more than what he and their mother were. God bless the Thortons and their families! #greatmovie
My father was pretty much the same Mr. Thorton. He worked 7 days a week and demanded nothing but the best from & for me. I thank God 4 fathers like these.
I saw this in 4th grade at Millwood that was a year that changed many of us for life...Thank God for my teacher at the time she's was & still is a beautiful soul inside & out. May the generations upcoming share this with the future generations!!! 🌅Love will ALWAYS CONQUER🦄🌸🏵💮
Wow! I Loved, the entirety of such a beautiful true story.... Their Father reminded me so much, of my father who, served in Vietnam and also worked as a Longshoremen at the port of Lake Charles to take care of his 5 girl's & 2 boy's and our beautiful mother was a house wife. He also built, our house next to his father's home and the widows we're to high to jump... Their sister was much bolder than I.... It was no way I would say anything back, where as my daddy hear me... I was his Lawyer.... I literally cried, towards the end when one of the older sisters came home for her mother's service and told her father she was going to be a doctor, in hopes that would make him smile....
Dr. Thornton, you are a very inspiring person because of what you went thu as a child growing up. As a adult you are even more inspiring because you have answered so many questions from the public in is such a respectful, genuine manner. I admire you greatly for that and from this day forward I will strive to be like you. I am one year younger than you, but it is NEVER too late to self improve. I am going to get the book and treasure every word. Thank you, take care & love love love.
I saw th8s movie and enjoyed the STRENGHT and intedgrity family values. So happy it's uploaded on RU-vid. Carl Lumby, Kimberly Elise ,are magnificent. Thank you..
I couldn't help but be emotionally touched by both parents devotion to giving their children a chance at a better life. Nothing but love but never outwardly expressed thru actions not words. Nothing affects a child more than a parent or parents that don't express their love and the reasons they act the way that they do until the child is no longer a child. Excellent movie.
This movie was so seriously emotional, I just kept getting caught up in the emotions, my was very strict like that, almost drove me crazy! But I do understand being black you got to do great. Love this movie, wonder why I never hear of it or seen it until now. Excellent movie!
That was VERY Nice what That White man did when he helped MR Thornton with The supplies to build his family a Home by the school. ppl LIKE that don't come along everyday.
Glad the Italian thought about how some1 look out 4 his family when they came 2 America...No matter where ur from or color i believe n good karma so do on 2 others as u want done 2 u...
Good afternoon, Ms. Moore: Thank you for wonderful comments about the movie. Now, if you REALLY want to be motivated and inspired, then I would suggest reading the book, The Ditchdigger's Daughters. The movie is only about 10% of the movie and it really doesn't cover the challenges facing ME when I was trying to become a physician. Have a lovely day! Sincerely, Dr. Thornton
Hi, again, Ms. Moore: The link is: www.amazon.com/Ditchdiggers-Daughters-Yvonne-S-Thornton/dp/0758225881/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478050559&sr=8-1&keywords=ditchdiggers+daughters+book I hope you enjoy the book. Warmest regards!
What a powerful movie. I saw it when it first came out, and all the subtle nuances and straightforward realities just made me cry. I just watched it again, and still had the same reaction.
I wish my parents pushed me...I too wasted so much time and talent. This is a powerful movie! True, heartaching, loving, strong, determined, relevant, love of a father that no words couldn't touch. My father never told me he loved me and I wondered sometimes but in the end...I knew he did...I too disappointed him...I was just like her...my mouth, wanting to do my own thing...i wish I listened...it's never to late, as long as you have breath...try...do. Great movie! Thanks fur uploading it.
Haven't seen this in a long time. I remember watching it on tv when it first aired as a child. One of my favorite movies. I showed it to my 12 year old niece who had never heard of it. I wish they would show it more on tv because it's definitely inspiring. I cry everytime at the end. 😢🙂Happy Tears though❤
He was so obsessed with his idea of success, that he couldn't see that his girls had already succeeded. Sad it ended that way. Love the dedication to his family though. Need to see more of that in this day and age.
Such an impactful story of perseverance, sacrifice, dedication and overall love. Thank you Mr. And Mrs. Thornton and Dr. Yvonne Thornton for the inspiration that is your family. Whenever I feel I can't continue with my educational endeavors or just settling on my purpose, I come back to this movie and it gives me assurance that if the Thornton family can do it, I can too!!
It's a damn shame when the mother of a son doesn't want to help him take care of her own grandchildren especially when he is being the best father he can be and working 2 to 3 jobs... Shit don't make no sense. Besides I'm so grateful that he took the other child in as well cause she was being treated like the wicked step sister or something... God is so good.
Exactly! When he was younger, she down talked him about he’ll never amount to anything, then as soon as he tries to make a better life for his family, she has something negative to say about that. She seemed like a mentally, emotionally, and verbally abusive woman
@@nelixsulu6201 No argument there. At the same time, he was the same way to Jeanette. Only thing is that Jeanette wasn't going to allow her father to make her feel inferior.
BEAUTIFUL....... Amazing Family values, of LOVE, Strength, Hard work, determination. Now it is time for me to purchase the book. I am Really Proud of you Doctor Thornton & your Sisters.
I have been looking for this movie for years. THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IT'S COMING ON BET THIS SUNDAY FOR FATHE'S DAY I WILL BE FRONT AND CENTER WITH MY BIG PLATE OF FOOD. THANKS AGAIN
