A Family Thing

(1996)Directed by Richard Pearce109 min · PG-13Comedy, Drama
With family, everything is relative.

Earl Pilcher Jr. runs an equipment rental outfit in Arkansas, lives with his wife and kids and parents, and rarely takes off his gimme cap. His mother dies, leaving a letter explaining he's not her natural son, but the son of a Black woman who died in childbirth; plus, he has a half brother Ray, in Chicago, she wants him to visit. Earl makes the trip, initially receiving a cold welcome from Ray and Ray's son, Virgil. His birth mother's sister, Aunt T., an aged and blind matriarch, takes Earl in tow and insists that the family open up to him.

Robert Duvallas Earl Pilcher Jr.
James Earl Jonesas Ray Murdock
Michael Beachas Virgil
Irma P. Hallas Aunt T.
David Keithas Sonny
Xander Berkeleyas Sunburned Man
Jacqueline Williamsas Woman at Hospital
Mary Jacksonas Carrie
Meg Thalkenas Doctor
RLRichard Lexseeas Truckjacker
James N. Harrellas Earl Pilcher Sr.
Lauren Leigh Phillipsas Kindra
Ashleigh Jordanas Danielle
Saundra Quartermanas Young Aunt T.
Reggie Hayesas Virgil's Friend
Patrice Pitman Quinnas Willa Mae
DJDon Jamesas Junior Turner
Jim Sandersonas Dr. Parks
Crystal Laws Greenas Maotis