The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992) on Netflix
In Gary, Indiana, Joseph and Katherine Jackson raise a working-class family. Joseph discovers his sons' musical talent, forms them into a group, and wins talent shows until Motown calls.
- Netflix3.8/5
- IMDb7.6/104,446 votes
- Rotten Tomatoes90%
Plot summary
Katherine Scruse and Joseph Jackson meet and court in the 1940s, then settle in Gary, Indiana, a midwestern steel town. Through the 1950s and 1960s, they raise a large family and make a modest living. Joseph discovers that his sons have an extraordinary musical talent and begins entering them in local talent shows. He forms a group with Michael, Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, and Marlon. The boys win one competition after another until Motown Records takes notice. By the late 1960s, they have become the Jackson 5 and are enjoying early fame, but their rapid success also brings trouble and turmoil.
Cast
- Jermaine Jackson IIas Jermaine Jackson (aged 13-17)
- Kelli Martinas La Toya Jackson - Age 8-10
- Floyd Roger Myers Jr.as Marlon Jackson - age 7-9
- Ángel Vargasas Tito Jackson
Did you know?!Facts and trivia about The Jacksons: An American Dream (1992)
Can contain spoilers, watch the movie first.
- Only a handful of songs actually use Michael Jackson's real voice; on every other track his vocal part was performed by one of three stand-in singers, Anthony Harrell, Jason Weaver or Kipp Lennon.
- Angela Bassett took the role of Katherine Jackson against her own agents' advice and became so emotionally invested in playing her that she stayed connected to the character throughout filming.
- Michael Jackson personally signed off on the miniseries' script and on Angela Bassett's casting as his mother, Katherine, before production went ahead.
- R&B group Boyz II Men appear on screen in the miniseries, cast as a group of teenagers who bully young Jackie Jackson.
