Based on writer Maya Angelou's eloquent reminiscences of her days as a gifted youngster growing up in the South during the Depression years where she and her older brother were raised by their grandmother after the divorce of their parents.
| Actor | Role |
|---|---|
 Paul BenjaminFreeman | Freeman |
 Diahann CarrollVivian | Vivian |
 Ruby DeeGrandmother Baxter | Grandmother Baxter |
 Roger E. MosleyBailey, Sr. | Bailey, Sr. |
 Esther RolleMomma | Momma |
 Madge SinclairMiss Flowers | Miss Flowers |
| SSonny Jim GainesUncle Willie | Uncle Willie |
 Art EvansPrincipal | Principal |
| CConstance GoodMaya | Maya |
| JJohn M. Driver IIBailey, Jr. | Bailey, Jr. |
| GGeorgia AllenMrs. Gurney | Mrs. Gurney |
 J. Don FergusonMr. Donleavy | Mr. Donleavy |
 Tonea StewartLillie | Lillie |
| MMonica KylesJulie | Julie |
| RRick SalassiParmenian | Parmenian |
| LLewis LiddellTommy | Tommy |
| SSammy LiddellIra | Ira |
| SSylvester SpannTutti | Tutti |
| SShaunery StevensPoliceman | Policeman |
| HHosie PhillipsPreacher | Preacher |
| MMyra Jo ArvinRed | Red |
| GGeorge CumminsSheriff Rogers | Sheriff Rogers |
| TTorainTeacher | Teacher |
| DDarleen TaylorGirl #1 | Girl #1 |
| LLaurie WatersTall Girl | Tall Girl |
| MMose Lee WilliamsMrs. Fletcher #1 | Mrs. Fletcher #1 |
| FFrankie MitchellMrs. Fletcher #2 | Mrs. Fletcher #2 |
| MM.L. BreelandMr. Peters | Mr. Peters |
| AAngela BrownKitty | Kitty |
| AAbbie BurnsMary | Mary |