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Reggie Hunter has the voice of an angel and the love of his family.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t had the courage to sing in over twenty-five
years. Instead he works as a janitor at his former high school, even
though he was once good enough to audition for Berry Gordy of Motown
Records. Every Sunday, he, his Aunt Charlotte, his brother Martin,
and his sister Eleanor sit down to supper with the rest of their
family. It is a family tradition that they have kept throughout their
lives, missing only once for their parents’ funeral On this
particular Sunday, news of Aunt Charlotte’s impending retirement makes
its way around the table, distressing Reggie. The only reason he can
even tolerate his job is because Aunt Charlotte teaches choir at the
school. The thought of her leaving upsets him so much, that he leaves
the table.
On Monday, Reggie goes unhappily back to work at the school,
breaking in a new janitor, Andrew. Meanwhile at Detroit Metro Bank,
Martin hires Monica as a new loan officer, counting on her to take his
place when he is promoted to Vice-President. He brings her along with
him when he speaks at the high school's career day. During the course
of his speech, he sticks up for Reggie, who is seen as a failure by
the kids. When Martin returns to the bank, he is confronted by Mr.
Stoecker, an investigator from the Michigan Bank Examiner’s Office. A
man that Martin approved a loan for is being charged with investment
fraud.
Tess, who has been working as the new interim choir
director, puts together a meeting to plan Charlotte’s retirement
party. Eleanor suggests a barbeque, but Charlotte isn’t interested.
Finally, Reggie suggests a concert, performed by some of her former
students. Eleanor thinks it’s a good idea, and that Reggie should
sing. Charlotte promises to give it some thought. The following
Sunday she has decided, she wants to have the concert and she wants
Reggie to sing. Before he can object, lunch is interrupted by Mr.
Stoecker and a federal marshall. Martin is under arrest.
In an attempt to raise bail money Reggie attempts to sell
the 1914 Steinway piano that his mother left him. Charlotte stops
him, caving in and finally telling him the truth about his audition
with Berry Gordy. He had wanted to sign him, but Martin said he
wasn’t interested because he wanted him to go to college. Reggie goes
to the jail and fumes at Martin, accusing him of ruining his life.
When next he tries to sell the piano, to get the money to move out,
Andrew and Tess appear and speak to him of lost dreams and the
importance of family. Reggie forgives Martin and new evidence clears
him of all charges. When the family is reunited, the concert is on,
and Reggie sings once again with the voice of an angel. |
