The story of is a surreal, "fablelike fantasy" musical created by the pioneering filmmaker and playwright Melvin Van Peebles . Originally a French-language novel titled La fête à Harlem (1967), it was later adapted into a 1970 stage musical and a 1973 film . The Narrative Plot
: The imps take human form and attempt to wreak havoc through rumors, jealousy, and "meanness". Don't Play Us Cheap
: The party is hosted by Miss Maybell ( Esther Rolle ) in honor of her niece Earnestine's 20th birthday. The story of is a surreal, "fablelike fantasy"
Melvin Van Peebles: 10 Essential Movies in Honor of ... - Variety : The party is hosted by Miss Maybell
: The imps' plans are thwarted by the "infectious generosity of spirit" and resilience of the party guests . In a romantic twist, Trinity begins to fall in love with Earnestine, leading to an internal struggle over whether to remain evil or embrace his burgeoning humanity.
The story follows two apprentice imps— and Trinity —who are sent by Satan from Hell to a Saturday night house party in Harlem. Their mission is a "graduation assignment": they must successfully break up the party to prove their diabolical worth.