READ MORE: 2015 Emmy Predictions: Best TV Movie
Written and directed by Dee Rees, "Bessie" follows the life and times of legendary "Empress of Blues," Bessie Smith (played by Queen Latifah)."Bessie" also stars Mo’Nique, Khandi Alexander, Charles S. Dutton, Mike Epps and Tika Sumpter, promising high drama, great period costumes, even greater music and greatest-of-all performances.
"Bessie" will premiere May 16 on HBO. Check out the teaser trailer above for a glimpse of Bessie’s meteoric rise to fame and the subsequent drama and heartbreak through the gilded ’20s and harsher ’30s, all in just 30 seconds.
READ MORE: HBO Teases Bessie Smith Biopic Footage in 2015 Highlight Reel
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