#blaxsplotation

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Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970)

Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970)

Cotton Comes to Harlem(1970) Ossie Davis wound up co-writing this adaptation of Chester Himes’ famous noir, and then was talked into directing what became one of the early “blaxploitation” movies. Nobody takes the action seriously, except perhaps Raymond St. Jacques as Coffin Ed Johnson and Godfrey Cambridge as his NYPD partner Gravedigger Jones. Their car chase through Harlem has hilarious…

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Theme from Hardcastle & McCormick: Spiceface

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Badasssss is about Melvin Van Peebles uphill battle to create the first blaxplotation film, Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song- written, directed, produced, and starring his son, Mario Van Peebles. Its a touching homage to his father, combining documentary footage and interviews of key players in the creation of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song.

What made me cry (yes, sometimes I cry actual tears) is the solidarity that propelled the film to greatness.  Van Peebles used the soundtrack to promote the film, which in turn made Earth, Wind, and Fire famous.  Bill Cosby and his wife invested $50,000 in the film.  The Black Panthers put Sweet Sweetback on the cover of their newsletter, causing droves of moviegoers to see the feature. The concentrated effort and vision of not only Melvin Van Peebles, but the Black community is incredible. Every artist of color needs to see this ASAP.

ETA- Did I mention this independent film outgrossed Love Story?

&ETA