Corrina, Corrina

The widowed jingle writer Manny Singer hires Corrina Washington to fill the void left by his wife's death. The first housekeeper quits quickly, and Corrina's arrival begins a new caregiving relationship. Corrina quickly forms a bond with Molly and helps establish a simple yes/no communication system to aid Molly.

Corrina explains to Molly that her mother Annie is in heaven, offering a comforting explanation for her daughter's grief. This moment helps Molly begin to open up and accept Corrina's presence in her life. Manny, who is an atheist, watches with reserved hope as the healing begins.

Corrina's family warmly includes Molly, taking her to church and inviting her into their daily life. Molly's time with Corrina's relatives expands her sense of family and belonging beyond Manny's home. The experiences at church and with Corrina's relatives deepen the bond between Molly and Corrina.

At an office party, Manny is introduced to Jenny, a perky divorcee with two young sons. He is not ready to date again since Annie's death, and he navigates his grief without rushing into a new romance. Jenny's presence introduces a potential complication in Manny's emotional life.

Corrina's sister Jevina pushes her to date Anthony, a man from their race, hoping to expand Corrina's social circle. Corrina shows little interest, preferring to focus on Molly and Manny's family dynamic. The conversation highlights tensions around relationships and race in the era.

Molly returns to an all-white school and is mocked for including Corrina in her family picture. The incident underscores the racial climate of the time and Molly's need for support. Corrina continues to offer support while Manny grapples with the situation.

That night, Molly has a nightmare, and Corrina tells her she is allowed to be mad at her mother for dying. Manny admits how hurt he is about losing Annie and how much he misses her too, sharing his grief with Corrina. The moment deepens their emotional connection and mutual understanding.

Desperate to keep Molly's healing going, Corrina quietly takes Molly along on a second job cleaning other clients' homes. The two spend long hours together, and Corrina becomes increasingly indispensable to Manny's family. Corrina also helps Manny develop a new jingle and rhyme for the Jello campaign.

As they work closely together, Manny and Corrina discover shared values, humor, and a love of music. Their bond deepens into romance, culminating in a moonlit moment and a kiss that hints at a future together. The relationship begins to challenge the boundaries of their segregated, interracial world.

The morning after a planned celebration is interrupted by Jenny's uninvited visit. Manny apologizes for the disruption and for how they handled the situation, but their argument leads to an intimate kiss on the cheek that is seen by a nosy neighbor. The kiss marks a turning point in their relationship but also foreshadows trouble ahead.

That night, Corrina and Manny share a moonlight dance and a kiss, while Molly quietly witnesses the moment. Worried about their future, Molly asks her grandfather Harry to ensure Manny and Corrina can marry. The couple then confronts prejudice as an interracial relationship.

Weeks of playing hooky from school culminate in Corrina telling Molly she must return to school next week. When Manny receives a call from Molly's school, he erupts, insisting Corrina is not Molly's mother and fires her. Molly becomes withdrawn again, deepening the family's pain.

Manny learns that Corrina's grandfather Harry has died, and he attends the funeral, pondering another loss. After Harry's funeral, Manny visits Corrina to apologize for firing her and to repair their relationship.

Corrina overhears Manny's heartfelt plea to God for help, and she tells him that she quits as his employee. He reassures her that she has been replaced, and they embrace and kiss before she brings him inside to formally meet her family. This moment seals their commitment despite external pressures.

Molly sings This Little Light of Mine to cheer up her grandmother Eva, who joins in to please her. Manny and Corrina return home, and Molly joyfully runs to Corrina, signaling the blended family has found its place at last. The film closes on a hopeful note for their future together.