Essential Films to See at Least Once Before You Die

Carmen Jones

Dorothy Dandridge plays the titular character in this underrated musical set at an all-black army camp. Every man has his sights set on Carmen Jones, but she chooses to seduce a married soldier about to depart for flight school. However, when Carmen's eyes wander elsewhere, devastation ensues. Dandridge became the first Black actress in a leading role to be nominated for an Oscar. 

Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls was the film that proved Jennifer Hudson had what it take to escape the bounds of American Idol success. A musical trio is discovered by an ambitious manager who offers them the chance of a lifetime, but the women come to learn that fame and glamor can cost you everything.

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The More You Know

  • In 1923, jockey Frank Hayes won a race at Belmont Park in New York despite being dead — he suffered a heart attack mid-race but his body stayed in the saddle until his horse crossed the line for a 20–1 outsider victory.
  • Great white sharks are so scared of killer whales that they'll avoid an area for up to a year after spotting one.
  • The chance of a coin landing heads-up is not 50-50
  • Elephants comfort each other with chirps.
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Post originally appeared on Upbeat News.