An African American housekeeper wants a judge to reinstate a lawsuit that claims Kathryn Stockett, author of the bestselling novel-turned-move “The Help,” used her likeness without permission.

“The Help” is based on relationships between white families in Mississippi and the black women who worked for them in the 1960s. It was made into a movie that opened last week, debuting at No. 2 nationwide and bringing in $26 million.