Josephine Baker Story, The (1991) Rating: Starring: Blades, Ruben, David Dukes, Louis Gossett, Jr., Craig T. Nelson, Lynn Whitfield Director: Brian Gibson Category: Drama Studio: HBO / Rysher Ent. Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Length: 131 mins Want to buy?           Before Madonna… Before Marilyn… There Was Josephine. Outrageous, shocking, sensational - Josephine Baker (Lynn Whitfield) was born poor, but achieved fame and fortune through her sizzlingly exotic and erotic performances. Starting life on the American Vaudeville circuit, success takes Josephine to Paris where her semi-nude dancing causes an international sensation. Through her marriages to an Italian pseudo-count (Ruben Blades) and orchestra leader (David Dukes), to her bond with army officer Sidney Williams (Louis Gossett, Jr.), Josephine's life is a roller coaster ride of love and rejection from both her lovers and her country. But semi-nude, or head-to-toe in sequins; in battle fatigues or rags - her beauty and ambition ensured that Josephine Baker will always be remembered as the first, and possibly most loved, truly international star.