Porgy and Bess (1959): cast, story & where to watch
1959 · Film · ★ 6.7
Released in 1959, Porgy and Bess is a drama, romance and music film directed by Otto Preminger, running about 138 minutes. “Introducing a new era in motion pictures!” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. Set in the early 1900s in the fictional Catfish Row section of Charleston, South Carolina, which serves as home to a black fishing community, the story focuses on the titular characters, crippled beggar Porgy, who travels about in a goat-drawn cart, and the drug-addicted Bess, who lives with stevedore Crown, the local bully.
Who’s in it. Porgy and Bess stars Sidney Poitier as Porgy, Dorothy Dandridge as Bess, Sammy Davis Jr. as Sportin' Life and Pearl Bailey as Maria, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.7/10, Porgy and Bess has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Porgy and Bess page.
If you liked it. Fans of Porgy and Bess tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch Porgy and Bess (1959)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for Porgy and Bess change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is Porgy and Bess worth watching?
- Porgy and Bess holds an audience score of 6.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama, romance and music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in Porgy and Bess?
- Porgy and Bess stars Sidney Poitier, Dorothy Dandridge, Sammy Davis Jr., Pearl Bailey and Brock Peters.
- When was Porgy and Bess released?
- Porgy and Bess was released in 1959, with a runtime of about 138 minutes.