A young, idealistic man returns home to the plantation where he grew up in servitude. With him, he brings his fiance, Lutiebelle, in hopes of convincing the plantation owner that she is really his cousin in order to secure the family inheritance. To aid in the comic complications that follow are his family members Missy and Gitlow, and the plantation owners endearing (but ineffectual) son Charlie.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Ossie DavisReverend Purlie Victorious Judson | Reverend Purlie Victorious Judson |
 Ruby DeeLutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins | Lutiebelle Gussie Mae Jenkins |
 Godfrey CambridgeGitlow Judson | Gitlow Judson |
| HHilda HaynesMissy Judson | Missy Judson |
 Beah RichardsIdella Landy | Idella Landy |
 Alan AldaCharlie Cotchipee | Charlie Cotchipee |
 Sorrell BookeOl' Cap', Stonewall Jackson Cotchipee | Ol' Cap', Stonewall Jackson Cotchipee |