What would Hollywood be without a good ole Blaxploitation film? And now that “They Cloned Tyrone” has hit Netflix screens, conversations about the Blaxploitation movies that crawled so that “They Cloned Tyrone” could pimp walk have come to the forefront.
Juel Taylor’s film welcomes watchers to The Glen, a normal, everyday neighborhood where its predominately Black residents live out their lives shopping, going to church and enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, beneath the surface, but right in front of their eyes, the government is executing a plot to keep the community in an endless cycle of unhealthy behavior that ultimately blocks them from mental and financial wellness.
Like many Blaxploitation films, “They Cloned Tyrone” creatively calls out and highlights the systemic issues Black community faces while also celebrating Black culture and Black people’s perseverance.
When “They Cloned Tyrone” hit Netflix, people online began discussing the films that influenced it,...
Juel Taylor’s film welcomes watchers to The Glen, a normal, everyday neighborhood where its predominately Black residents live out their lives shopping, going to church and enjoying the fruits of their labor. However, beneath the surface, but right in front of their eyes, the government is executing a plot to keep the community in an endless cycle of unhealthy behavior that ultimately blocks them from mental and financial wellness.
Like many Blaxploitation films, “They Cloned Tyrone” creatively calls out and highlights the systemic issues Black community faces while also celebrating Black culture and Black people’s perseverance.
When “They Cloned Tyrone” hit Netflix, people online began discussing the films that influenced it,...
- 8/3/2023
- by Raquel "Rocky" Harris
- The Wrap
In “Is That Black Enough for You?!?,” Elvis Mitchell’s highly pleasurable and eye-opening movie-love documentary about the American Black cinema revolution of the late ’60s and ’70s, Billy Dee Williams, now 85 but still spry, tells a funny story about what it was like to play Louis McKay, the dapper love object and would-be savior of Billie Holiday in “Lady Sings the Blues.”
The year was 1972, and African-American audiences had rarely (if ever) been given the chance to gawk at a movie star of color who was not just this sexy but this showcased for his sexiness. Louis was like Clark Gable with a dash of Marvin Gaye; when he was on that promenade stairway, Williams says, with a chuckle, that he just about fell in love with himself. That’s how unprecedented the whole thing was. The actor recalls how the lighting was fussed over (we see a shot...
The year was 1972, and African-American audiences had rarely (if ever) been given the chance to gawk at a movie star of color who was not just this sexy but this showcased for his sexiness. Louis was like Clark Gable with a dash of Marvin Gaye; when he was on that promenade stairway, Williams says, with a chuckle, that he just about fell in love with himself. That’s how unprecedented the whole thing was. The actor recalls how the lighting was fussed over (we see a shot...
- 10/10/2022
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Roger E. Mosley, who portrayed Theodore “T.C.” Calvin, the helicopter pilot and buddy of Tom Selleck’s character on all eight seasons of the original Magnum, P.I., died Sunday. He was 83.
Mosley died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of injuries incurred in a car accident in nearby Lynwood three days earlier, his daughter, Ch-a, told The Hollywood Reporter.
On the big screen, Mosley was at his most memorable as blues and folk singer Huddie Ledbetter (“The Midnight Special”) in the period piece Leadbelly (1976), directed by Gordon Parks. In his review, Roger Ebert wrote that Mosley played the part “with great strength” and called the film “one of the best biographies of a musician I’ve ever seen.”
Mosley also was a standout in blaxploitation films, playing the angry brother of the fresh-out-of-prison Goldie (Max Julien) in the classic The Mack...
Roger E. Mosley, who portrayed Theodore “T.C.” Calvin, the helicopter pilot and buddy of Tom Selleck’s character on all eight seasons of the original Magnum, P.I., died Sunday. He was 83.
Mosley died at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles of injuries incurred in a car accident in nearby Lynwood three days earlier, his daughter, Ch-a, told The Hollywood Reporter.
On the big screen, Mosley was at his most memorable as blues and folk singer Huddie Ledbetter (“The Midnight Special”) in the period piece Leadbelly (1976), directed by Gordon Parks. In his review, Roger Ebert wrote that Mosley played the part “with great strength” and called the film “one of the best biographies of a musician I’ve ever seen.”
Mosley also was a standout in blaxploitation films, playing the angry brother of the fresh-out-of-prison Goldie (Max Julien) in the classic The Mack...
- 8/7/2022
- by Mike Barnes
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Gritty inner city crime pix don’t get any rougher than this — I witnessed the walk-outs personally. Barry Shear and a crack crew filmed in Harlem for this downbeat crime pic that could be called ‘Every Thief For Himself.’ Paul Benjamin just wants to score some mob money and leave the mean streets behind — but a single slipup brings the worst of the Mafia and the black mob down on his neck. It’s neither a ‘stick it to whitey’ saga nor a plea for justice: it’s story 8 million and 1 in The Naked City. Stars Anthony Quinn, Anthony Franciosa and Yaphet Kotto provide more acting fireworks, with solid assistance from Gloria Henry, Antonio Fargas and Marlene Warfield.
Across 110th Street
Region-Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 120
1972 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 102 min. / Street Date April 27, 2022 / Available from / Aud 34.95
Starring: Anthony Quinn, Yaphet Kotto, Anthony Franciosa, Paul Benjamin, Ed Bernard, Antonio Fargas, Richard Ward,...
Across 110th Street
Region-Free Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint] 120
1972 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 102 min. / Street Date April 27, 2022 / Available from / Aud 34.95
Starring: Anthony Quinn, Yaphet Kotto, Anthony Franciosa, Paul Benjamin, Ed Bernard, Antonio Fargas, Richard Ward,...
- 5/28/2022
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Sunday’s SAG Awards ceremony will return to its normal two-hour live format on TNT and TBS. One of the highlights each year is the special In Memoriam segment. It’s been a particularly rough year with over 100 deaths of prominent actors and actresses who were likely members of SAG/AFTRA. Show producers typically are able to include approximately 40-50 people in a tribute. The 2021 segment saluted 55 people because they had responsibility for 14 months instead of 12.
Among that group will certainly be previous SAG president Ed Asner, who was also a life achievement award recipient. That honorary award was also presented to Sidney Poitier and Betty White, who both died this past year.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Who else might be featured in the 2022 tribute? Look for Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Oscar nominees Ned Beatty, Peter Bogdanovich and Dean Stockwell, plus Emmy champs Louie Anderson, Michael Constantine, Charles Grodin,...
Among that group will certainly be previous SAG president Ed Asner, who was also a life achievement award recipient. That honorary award was also presented to Sidney Poitier and Betty White, who both died this past year.
SEECelebrity Deaths 2022: In Memoriam Gallery
Who else might be featured in the 2022 tribute? Look for Oscar winner Olympia Dukakis, Oscar nominees Ned Beatty, Peter Bogdanovich and Dean Stockwell, plus Emmy champs Louie Anderson, Michael Constantine, Charles Grodin,...
- 2/25/2022
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
Carol Speed, who lit up the screen in the cult blaxploitation film The Mack, died on Jan. 14 in Muskogee, Okla. She was 76 and her family announced her death in a statement published online, but did not specify the cause.
Speed came to filmgoer attention in the 1970s in a series of blaxploitation movies, but broke through in 1973’s The Mack, in which she played the girlfriend and head prostitute of star Max Julien, who died earlier this month. That led Speed to television roles on TV shows, including Julia and Sanford and Son.
Her other big role was in the horror film Abby in 1974, playing the title character, who is possessed by an ancient Nigerian devil known as Eshu. The film was a hit among moviegoers after its Christmas Day release. But Warner Bros. sued, claiming it stole the plot of its film The Exorcist. The litigation led to Abby being pulled from theaters,...
Speed came to filmgoer attention in the 1970s in a series of blaxploitation movies, but broke through in 1973’s The Mack, in which she played the girlfriend and head prostitute of star Max Julien, who died earlier this month. That led Speed to television roles on TV shows, including Julia and Sanford and Son.
Her other big role was in the horror film Abby in 1974, playing the title character, who is possessed by an ancient Nigerian devil known as Eshu. The film was a hit among moviegoers after its Christmas Day release. But Warner Bros. sued, claiming it stole the plot of its film The Exorcist. The litigation led to Abby being pulled from theaters,...
- 1/29/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Max Julien, the actor best known for his lead performance in the 1973 blaxploitation classic ‘The Mack’, passed away aged 88. An official cause of death was not immediately available, reports variety.com. News of Julien’s death was confirmed by his friend, comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker. Walker posted a tribute to the […]...
- 1/3/2022
- by Glamsham Bureau
- GlamSham
Max Julien, an actor best known for his lead performance in the 1973 blaxploitation classic “The Mack,” died on Saturday. He was 88 years old.
An official cause of death was not immediately available.
News of Julien’s death was confirmed by his friend, comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker. Walker posted a tribute to the late actor on his Instagram.
“I met Max in 1996,” Walker wrote. “He was a great human being and we had so many amazing conversations. He was brilliant and hilarious and charismatic. R.I.P.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by David F. Walker (@mofoman68)
Released in 1973, “The Mack” co-starred Julien and Richard Pryor. Julien plays John “Goldie” Mickens, an ex-convict on a mission to make a name for himself by becoming the biggest pimp in Oakland, Calif, teaming up with Pryor’s Slim to build a criminal enterprise. The two find...
An official cause of death was not immediately available.
News of Julien’s death was confirmed by his friend, comic book writer and filmmaker David F. Walker. Walker posted a tribute to the late actor on his Instagram.
“I met Max in 1996,” Walker wrote. “He was a great human being and we had so many amazing conversations. He was brilliant and hilarious and charismatic. R.I.P.”
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by David F. Walker (@mofoman68)
Released in 1973, “The Mack” co-starred Julien and Richard Pryor. Julien plays John “Goldie” Mickens, an ex-convict on a mission to make a name for himself by becoming the biggest pimp in Oakland, Calif, teaming up with Pryor’s Slim to build a criminal enterprise. The two find...
- 1/2/2022
- by J. Kim Murphy
- Variety Film + TV
Max Julien, best known for his starring role in the 1973 blaxploitation film The Mack, died Saturday on his birthday at his home in Los Angeles, according to his friends. He was 88 and no cause of death has been revealed.
“A statement from his public relations team praised his character. “During Julien’s decades-long career, he was known for being bold, honest and straightforward. He would live and speak his own truth both professionally and privately. He was thought of as a rare ‘man among men.”
Julien’s role in The Mack became a classic, snips of it oft-quoted in hip-hop by such stars as Too Short, Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy and LL Cool J, among others.The film saw Julien play the part of “Goldie,” an ambitious young pimp from Oakland who faces off with corrupt cops and drug dealers after his release from prison. Richard Pryor plays his sidekick,...
“A statement from his public relations team praised his character. “During Julien’s decades-long career, he was known for being bold, honest and straightforward. He would live and speak his own truth both professionally and privately. He was thought of as a rare ‘man among men.”
Julien’s role in The Mack became a classic, snips of it oft-quoted in hip-hop by such stars as Too Short, Snoop Dogg, Public Enemy and LL Cool J, among others.The film saw Julien play the part of “Goldie,” an ambitious young pimp from Oakland who faces off with corrupt cops and drug dealers after his release from prison. Richard Pryor plays his sidekick,...
- 1/2/2022
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
The writer/director returns to talk about his favorite Blaxploitation movies with hosts Josh Olson and Joe Dante.
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Trick Baby (1972)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Pelli’s trailer commentary
The Untouchables (1987)
Predator (1987)
Purple Rain (1984) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Loved One (1965) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Live And Let Die (1973)
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Green Hornet (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Darren Bousman’s trailer commentary
The Last Dragon (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Dead Presidents (1995)
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Shaft (1971) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Coffy (1973) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Taxi Driver (1976) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary
Boxcar Bertha (1972) – Julie Corman...
Show Notes: Movies Referenced In This Episode
Man Bites Dog (1992)
Trick Baby (1972)
The Exorcist (1973) – Oren Pelli’s trailer commentary
The Untouchables (1987)
Predator (1987)
Purple Rain (1984) – Josh Olson’s trailer commentary
The Loved One (1965) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Live And Let Die (1973)
Enter The Dragon (1973) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary, Brian Trenchard-Smith’s trailer commentary
The Green Hornet (1974)
The Rocky Horror Picture Show (1975) – Darren Bousman’s trailer commentary
The Last Dragon (1985) – Larry Karaszewski’s trailer commentary
Dead Presidents (1995)
Hell Up In Harlem (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Black Caesar (1973) – Larry Cohen’s trailer commentary
Shaft (1971) – Bill Duke’s trailer commentary, Randy Fuller’s wine pairing
Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song (1971)
Coffy (1973) – Jack Hill’s trailer commentary
Midnight Cowboy (1969) – Glenn Erickson’s Criterion Blu-ray review
Taxi Driver (1976) – Rod Lurie’s trailer commentary
Boxcar Bertha (1972) – Julie Corman...
- 8/3/2021
- by Kris Millsap
- Trailers from Hell
Cleopatra Jones
Blu ray
Warner Archive
1973 / 2:35:1 / 89 Min. / Street Date – March 19, 2019
Starring Tamara Dobson, Bernie Casey
Written by Max Julien, Sheldon Keller
Cinematography by David M. Walsh
Directed by Jack Starrett
A good-natured if rickety assemblage of action movie cliches, Cleopatra Jones is dominated by two bigger than life actresses, Tamara Dobson and Shelley Winters. The movie’s trailer promoted Dobson as the “soul sister’s answer” to James Bond but you can count Bruce Lee, Emma Peel, Shaft and The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. among Cleo’s many relevant role models.
Winters plays “Mommy”, a foulmouthed mob boss who depends on the thriving Poppy fields of Turkey for her cash flow and Dobson is Cleopatra, an Amazonian fashion plate whose special agent skills range from karate to high speed car chases – her plan to wipe out Mommy’s syndicate leads to a high octane race through ‘70’s era L.
Blu ray
Warner Archive
1973 / 2:35:1 / 89 Min. / Street Date – March 19, 2019
Starring Tamara Dobson, Bernie Casey
Written by Max Julien, Sheldon Keller
Cinematography by David M. Walsh
Directed by Jack Starrett
A good-natured if rickety assemblage of action movie cliches, Cleopatra Jones is dominated by two bigger than life actresses, Tamara Dobson and Shelley Winters. The movie’s trailer promoted Dobson as the “soul sister’s answer” to James Bond but you can count Bruce Lee, Emma Peel, Shaft and The Girl from U.N.C.L.E. among Cleo’s many relevant role models.
Winters plays “Mommy”, a foulmouthed mob boss who depends on the thriving Poppy fields of Turkey for her cash flow and Dobson is Cleopatra, an Amazonian fashion plate whose special agent skills range from karate to high speed car chases – her plan to wipe out Mommy’s syndicate leads to a high octane race through ‘70’s era L.
- 3/19/2019
- by Charlie Largent
- Trailers from Hell
Proud Mary, starring Taraji P. Henson as a Mafia hitwoman, pays more than a little homage to "blaxploitation" films of the past. The genre — which featured mostly African-American characters, extreme violence and irresistible R&B soundtracks — went mainstream with 1971's Shaft.
Max Julien, one of blaxploitation's biggest stars (he appeared opposite Richard Pryor in 1973's The Mack), was laying low in Rome in the early '70s when a voice in his head told him to "go home and write about something called 'Cleopatra Jones.' " Two days later, he was in...
Max Julien, one of blaxploitation's biggest stars (he appeared opposite Richard Pryor in 1973's The Mack), was laying low in Rome in the early '70s when a voice in his head told him to "go home and write about something called 'Cleopatra Jones.' " Two days later, he was in...
- 1/11/2018
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Let’s look back on twenty years’ worth of Pulp Fiction trivia and behind the scenes fun. You never know when they will release a Pulp Fiction Trivial Pursuit game right? Also, there are magnificent spoilers here, so you should probably watch the movie first and slap yourself for taking this long.
Here is some music to accompany you.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Chronologically speaking, the last scene in the movie sees Butch and Fabienne drive away on a motorcycle. The very first sound heard at the start of the movie is the same motorcycle’s engine.
Whenever Vincent Vega goes to the bathroom, something bad happens: He emerges at Mia Wallace’s house to find her overdosing, comes out at the restaurant to...
Here is some music to accompany you.
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
Chronologically speaking, the last scene in the movie sees Butch and Fabienne drive away on a motorcycle. The very first sound heard at the start of the movie is the same motorcycle’s engine.
Whenever Vincent Vega goes to the bathroom, something bad happens: He emerges at Mia Wallace’s house to find her overdosing, comes out at the restaurant to...
- 10/13/2016
- by City of Films
- City of Films
[Press Release] Los Angeles -- Universal Music Enterprises has announced a rollout of 26 individual soundtrack albums on vinyl – including John Williams’ scores to E.T. and Jaws; Blaxploitation classics like Willie Hutch’s The Mack, J.J. Johnson’s Willie Dynamite, Marvin Gaye’s Trouble Man and the hip-hop-flavored Juice; Oscar® winners such as The Godfather, Silence of the Lambs, Rocky and Good Will Hunting; and cult movies like Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Knights, John Landis’ Animal House, Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, Amy Heckerling’s Clueless and Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing. The rollout got underway on January 20, with the release of Willie Hutch’s classic, much-sampled soundtrack to the 1973 movie The Mack, starring Max Julien and Richard Pryor, which was originally released on...
- 3/3/2015
- by Pietro Filipponi
- The Daily BLAM!
Let’s look back on twenty years’ worth of Pulp Fiction trivia and behind the scenes fun. You never know when they will release a Pulp Fiction Trivial Pursuit game right? Also, there are magnificent spoilers here, so you should probably watch the movie first and slap yourself for taking this long.
Here is some music to accompany you.
Download audio file (pulpsong.mp3)
Chronologically speaking, the last scene in the movie sees Butch and Fabienne drive away on a motorcycle. The very first sound heard at the start of the movie is the same motorcycle’s engine.
Whenever Vincent Vega goes to the bathroom, something bad happens: He emerges at Mia Wallace’s house to find her overdosing, comes out at the restaurant to find a robbery unfolding and is shot dead by Butch after using his bathroom. The moral is…holding it in saves lives?
When Butch shoots Vincent Vega,...
Here is some music to accompany you.
Download audio file (pulpsong.mp3)
Chronologically speaking, the last scene in the movie sees Butch and Fabienne drive away on a motorcycle. The very first sound heard at the start of the movie is the same motorcycle’s engine.
Whenever Vincent Vega goes to the bathroom, something bad happens: He emerges at Mia Wallace’s house to find her overdosing, comes out at the restaurant to find a robbery unfolding and is shot dead by Butch after using his bathroom. The moral is…holding it in saves lives?
When Butch shoots Vincent Vega,...
- 5/22/2014
- by Graham McMorrow
- City of Films
Oscar-nominated actor who brought sensitivity and warmth to her most famous role in Imitation of Life
From its earliest days, Hollywood, which has always lagged behind wider social advances, limited the roles of black actors to stock, wide-eyed cowards, simpletons or servants, often referred to as "uncles" and "mammies". Juanita Moore, who has died aged 99, suffered from this limitation by having to play maids throughout most of her long career. However, Moore could have echoed what Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award, once said: "Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one."
Where McDaniel as Mammy, Scarlett O'Hara's lovable, sassy servant in Gone With the Wind (1939) was the apotheosis of the black maid, Moore's Oscar-nominated portrayal of Annie Johnson, housekeeper to the glamorous Broadway star Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) in Douglas Sirk...
From its earliest days, Hollywood, which has always lagged behind wider social advances, limited the roles of black actors to stock, wide-eyed cowards, simpletons or servants, often referred to as "uncles" and "mammies". Juanita Moore, who has died aged 99, suffered from this limitation by having to play maids throughout most of her long career. However, Moore could have echoed what Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award, once said: "Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one."
Where McDaniel as Mammy, Scarlett O'Hara's lovable, sassy servant in Gone With the Wind (1939) was the apotheosis of the black maid, Moore's Oscar-nominated portrayal of Annie Johnson, housekeeper to the glamorous Broadway star Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) in Douglas Sirk...
- 1/3/2014
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Now almost two decades old, Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction almost singlehandedly changed the way Hollywood wanted to make movies in the '90s. Now, a comprehensive new book on the film -- Pulp Fiction: The Complete Story of Quentin Tarantino's Masterpiece (by Jason Bailey from Voyageur Press) – reveals some intriguing casting near-miss and what if? details, from the possibilities of Daniel Day-Lewis as Vincent Vega (the role now owned by John Travolta) and Meg Ryan as Mia Wallace (the role now defined by Uma Thurman) to even Ellen DeGeneres starring in a supporting role...
Related: 5 Shocking Truths About the Making of 'Pulp Fiction'
After being reduced to playing third wheel to talking babies and dogs in the Look Who's Talking movies, Travolta's career was practically flatlining before the role of Vincent Vega gave him a second lease on life in Hollywood. But the role originally was meant for Michael Madsen, who played...
Related: 5 Shocking Truths About the Making of 'Pulp Fiction'
After being reduced to playing third wheel to talking babies and dogs in the Look Who's Talking movies, Travolta's career was practically flatlining before the role of Vincent Vega gave him a second lease on life in Hollywood. But the role originally was meant for Michael Madsen, who played...
- 11/15/2013
- Entertainment Tonight
When director Michael Campus’s The Mack was released in 1973, it played in only 22 theaters. Even though it did decent business in its limited run, the drama starring Max Julien, Don Gordon, and Richard Pryor about a man who returns from prison to become the king of the pimps in Oakland seemed destined to remain a cultural blip. It wasn’t even released on video.
But then people got hold of the wonderful soundtrack, Quentin Tarantino started touting it as one of his favorites and wrote it into Tony Scott’s True Romance, prolific rappers like Jay-z and Dr. Dre...
But then people got hold of the wonderful soundtrack, Quentin Tarantino started touting it as one of his favorites and wrote it into Tony Scott’s True Romance, prolific rappers like Jay-z and Dr. Dre...
- 9/27/2013
- by Lindsey Bahr
- EW - Inside Movies
After all the debates, controversies, and stereotype accusations have cleared, looking back on Blaxploitation cinema today it’s easy to see healthy portions of the crime and action genres. Using these genres and the struggles of the black community, these films were created for those that wanted to see African American characters on the big screen not taking shit from the man, “getting over”, and–above all else—being the heroes in movies. In the documentary Baad Asssss Cinema, Samuel L. Jackson gives his take on the heroes of Blaxploitation: “We were tired of seeing the righteous black man. And all of a sudden we had guys who were…us. Or guys who did the things we wanted those guys to do.”
The unsung supporting players in these films that backed Fred Williamson and Pam Grier and many other stars were people acting and making a living off of it.
The unsung supporting players in these films that backed Fred Williamson and Pam Grier and many other stars were people acting and making a living off of it.
- 12/4/2012
- by Gregory Day
- SoundOnSight
There is a fine line between stereo-typing and the honest portrayal of criminals in cinema. Films such as Public Enemy (1931), Goodfellas, and both versions of Scarface (1932 and 1983) are examples of films both under attack and praised for its portrayal of criminals. Brian De Palma’s version of Scarface especially divides audiences and critics as to whether the character of Cuban import Tony Montana is a racial caricature or an honest look at greed and corruption. Blaxploitation cinema’s portrayal of criminals is no different drawing criticism from the African-American community, especially Rev. Jesse Jackson and the NAACP. The pimps and drug pushers in Blaxploitation cinema are considered just the same, walking the line of stereo-type and being socially conscious.
#5 The Candy Tangerine Man (1975)
Written by Mikel Angel
Directed by Matt Cimber
“Your cash ain’t nothin’ but trash.”
The Baron is a Sunset Blvd pimp that pushes his women to...
#5 The Candy Tangerine Man (1975)
Written by Mikel Angel
Directed by Matt Cimber
“Your cash ain’t nothin’ but trash.”
The Baron is a Sunset Blvd pimp that pushes his women to...
- 11/4/2012
- by Gregory Day
- SoundOnSight
Atlanta (Feb. 7, 2012) – Bounce TV (http://www.bouncetv.com), the nation’s first and only over-the-air broadcast television network for African-American audiences, has acquired the television rights to more African American-skewing motion pictures in two individual, multi-year licensing agreements with Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution and Paramount Home Media Distribution. Among the titles Bounce TV lands in their agreement with Warner Bros Domestic Television Distribution: The Academy Award® winning Bird, directed by Clint Eastwood; the original Shaft (1971); Richard Pryor starring in Greased Lightning and The Mack with Max Julien; Bill Cosby & Sidney Poitier in Let’s Do It Again and 1997’s Rosewood. Bounce TV’s agreement with Paramount includes such titles as Critical Condition starring Pryor; Diana Ross in Mahogany as well as her classic 1972 performance as Jazz great Billie Holiday in Lady Sings The Blues; two Eddie Murphy comedies Best Defense and Vampire In Brooklyn, and Denzel Washington starring in the 1990 comedy Heart Condition.
- 2/7/2012
- by DAVID LIEBERMAN, Executive Editor
- Deadline TV
The Mack
Directed by Michael Campos
Screenplay by Max Julien, Richard Pryor & Robert J. Poole
1973, USA
Set in Oakland, California, The Mack was the highest-grossing blaxploitation film of its time, and the story behind the making of the film is perhaps more interesting than the actual movie itself. Rumour has it that screenwriter Robert J. Poole started developing the treatment and script on toilet paper while he was in prison, and later passed it on to Max Julien and Richard Pryor, who wrote the final draft. The film is notorious for featuring the first ever Players’ Ball, and along with Julien and Pryor, the film also featured real life criminals, including the legendary Ward brothers. The production was plagued with problems: Richard Pryor’s notorious behaviour and drug habit led him to be kicked off set after assaulting the director – Frank Ward was murdered during filming and The Black Panthers...
Directed by Michael Campos
Screenplay by Max Julien, Richard Pryor & Robert J. Poole
1973, USA
Set in Oakland, California, The Mack was the highest-grossing blaxploitation film of its time, and the story behind the making of the film is perhaps more interesting than the actual movie itself. Rumour has it that screenwriter Robert J. Poole started developing the treatment and script on toilet paper while he was in prison, and later passed it on to Max Julien and Richard Pryor, who wrote the final draft. The film is notorious for featuring the first ever Players’ Ball, and along with Julien and Pryor, the film also featured real life criminals, including the legendary Ward brothers. The production was plagued with problems: Richard Pryor’s notorious behaviour and drug habit led him to be kicked off set after assaulting the director – Frank Ward was murdered during filming and The Black Panthers...
- 4/14/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Rumor had it that the DVD company was in financial trouble and was ready to go the way of the Dodo bird, but their latest blog proves that they are going stronger than ever and have a number of obscure films in the pipeline.
On 1/25, Code Red presents God’S Bloody Acre. Three brothers fanatically devoted to nature (one even has an afro!) attack a construction worker clearing nearby land for a natural park, only for them to cut him in half by accident with a bulldozer! Now that they’ve shed blood, there’s no turning back as these brothers are willing to risk their lives to protect their natural lifestyle from the ravages of civilization. Two unsuspecting couples camping in the area become their targets in an ultimate hunt that pits man against man and leads to rape and violence! It’s a Hick Rampage and Florida will...
On 1/25, Code Red presents God’S Bloody Acre. Three brothers fanatically devoted to nature (one even has an afro!) attack a construction worker clearing nearby land for a natural park, only for them to cut him in half by accident with a bulldozer! Now that they’ve shed blood, there’s no turning back as these brothers are willing to risk their lives to protect their natural lifestyle from the ravages of civilization. Two unsuspecting couples camping in the area become their targets in an ultimate hunt that pits man against man and leads to rape and violence! It’s a Hick Rampage and Florida will...
- 12/24/2010
- by Jason Bene
- Killer Films
Here.s some sad new for fans of 70.s Blaxpolitation.
From the Los Angeles Times:
” Vonetta McGee, an actress whose big-screen heyday during the blaxploitation era of the 1970s included leading roles in “Blacula” and “Shaft in Africa,” has died. She was 65. McGee died Friday at a hospital in Berkeley after experiencing cardiac arrest and being on life support for two days, said family spokeswoman Kelley Nayo. McGee was described as “one of the busiest and most beautiful black actresses” by Times movie reviewer Kevin Thomas in 1972, the year she appeared opposite Fred Williamson in the black action movie “Hammer,” and had starring roles in the crime-drama “Melinda” and the horror film “Blacula.”She went on to appear with Richard Roundtree in “Shaft in Africa” (1973), and co-starred with Max Julien in “Thomasine & Bushrod” (1974).”
Ms McGee did not like the term .Blaxpolitation. but starred in many of those films including, besides the ones mentioned above,...
From the Los Angeles Times:
” Vonetta McGee, an actress whose big-screen heyday during the blaxploitation era of the 1970s included leading roles in “Blacula” and “Shaft in Africa,” has died. She was 65. McGee died Friday at a hospital in Berkeley after experiencing cardiac arrest and being on life support for two days, said family spokeswoman Kelley Nayo. McGee was described as “one of the busiest and most beautiful black actresses” by Times movie reviewer Kevin Thomas in 1972, the year she appeared opposite Fred Williamson in the black action movie “Hammer,” and had starring roles in the crime-drama “Melinda” and the horror film “Blacula.”She went on to appear with Richard Roundtree in “Shaft in Africa” (1973), and co-starred with Max Julien in “Thomasine & Bushrod” (1974).”
Ms McGee did not like the term .Blaxpolitation. but starred in many of those films including, besides the ones mentioned above,...
- 7/16/2010
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Until women reach a 50-50 parity with men directors, my mission continues to count the women directors in upcoming and recent film festivals (and an occasional informal glance at what’s selling in the markets). Women’s films in Berlin reflect women’s place in the world both in content and in the numbers of women represented as directors, producers, writers, etc. John Cooper of Sundance stresses the increasing and possibly 50-50 parity of women producers, but I am looking at the directors. As March is Women’s History Month (and all the other months are Men’s History Month according to Gloria Steinem’s L.A. Times Article of March 4, 2010) this blog is in honor of all women everywhere.
Congratulations to Kathryn Bigelow for winning the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. La Times puts into perspective the fact that the Best Director Oscar went to Kathryn Bigelow...
Congratulations to Kathryn Bigelow for winning the Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture. La Times puts into perspective the fact that the Best Director Oscar went to Kathryn Bigelow...
- 3/8/2010
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Berlin -- The Berlin film festival's Panorama sidebar is coming back loud and proud this year with a lineup packed with films examining gender identity and the gay movement.
The 2010 Panorama opens Feb. 11 with the Russian film "Jolly Fellows," director Felix Mikhailov's look at the drag queen subculture of a Moscow club.
This year's lineup also features Cheryl Dunye's thriller "The Owls," in which aging lesbians try to get away with murder; and Jake Yuzna's "Open," a series of intertwined love stories featuring gay and trans-gendered partners.
Several of Panorama's documentary selections explores related themes -- such as Crayton Robery's "Making The Boys" about Matt Crowley's ground breaking gay play "The Boys in the Band;" "Cuchillo de Palo," Renate Costa's expose of persecution of homosexuals during the Paraguayan dictatorship and the German doc "Rock Hudson – Dark and Handsome Stranger" from directors Andrew Davies and Andre Schaefer.
The 2010 Panorama opens Feb. 11 with the Russian film "Jolly Fellows," director Felix Mikhailov's look at the drag queen subculture of a Moscow club.
This year's lineup also features Cheryl Dunye's thriller "The Owls," in which aging lesbians try to get away with murder; and Jake Yuzna's "Open," a series of intertwined love stories featuring gay and trans-gendered partners.
Several of Panorama's documentary selections explores related themes -- such as Crayton Robery's "Making The Boys" about Matt Crowley's ground breaking gay play "The Boys in the Band;" "Cuchillo de Palo," Renate Costa's expose of persecution of homosexuals during the Paraguayan dictatorship and the German doc "Rock Hudson – Dark and Handsome Stranger" from directors Andrew Davies and Andre Schaefer.
- 1/22/2010
- by By Scott Roxborough
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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