The Piano Lesson_
1930's Pittsburgh, a brother comes home to claim "my half of the piano", a family heirloom; but his sister is not wanting to part with it. This is a glimpse of the conditions for African-Americans as well as some of the attitudes and influences on their lives. But whether he is able to sell the piano so that he can get enough money to buy some property and "no longer have to work for someone else" involves the story (or lesson) that the piano has to show him.
Starring
Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard, Carl Gordon
Updated Feb 16, 2026
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Year context
The Piano Lesson was released 31 years ago in 1995.
Overview
1930's Pittsburgh, a brother comes home to claim "my half of the piano", a family heirloom; but his sister is not wanting to part with it. This is a glimpse ...
The Piano Lesson is a Drama, TV Movie film with a runtime of 1h 35m.
CAST (17)
Charles S. Dutton
Boy Willie
Alfre Woodard
Berniece Charles
CG
Carl Gordon
Doaker
Tommy Hollis
Avery
Lou Myers
Wining Boy
Courtney B. Vance
Lymon
Zelda Harris
Maretha
Rosalyn Coleman
Grace
Tommy Lafitte
Ace
LI
Lynne Innerst
Miss Ophelia
Harold Surratt
Papa Willie Boy
JN
Jackson Nunn
Horse Trainer-Owner (uncredited)
EB
Elva Branson
Mama Berniece
Tim Hartman
Sutter
BT
Ben Tatar
Watermelon Man
AE
Alice Eisner
Watermelon Lady
BT
Bob Tracey
Nolander
DETAILS
Release
Status
Released
Runtime
95 min (1h 35m)
Rating
7.2/10 (6 votes)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is The Piano Lesson about?
1930's Pittsburgh, a brother comes home to claim "my half of the piano", a family heirloom; but his sister is not wanting to part with it. This is a glimpse of the conditions for African-Americans as well as some of the attitudes and influences on their lives. But whether he is able to sell the piano so that he can get enough money to buy some property and "no longer have to work for someone else" involves the story (or lesson) that the piano has to show him.
How long is The Piano Lesson?
The Piano Lesson has a runtime of 95 minutes (1h 35m).
Who stars in The Piano Lesson?
The cast of The Piano Lesson includes Charles S. Dutton, Alfre Woodard, Carl Gordon, Tommy Hollis, Lou Myers.
What is the rating of The Piano Lesson?
The Piano Lesson has a rating of 7.2 out of 10 based on 6 votes on TMDB.
GENRES (2)
Drama
TV Movie