Robert Townsend
Biography: Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, director, comedian, and writer. Townsend is best known for directing the films Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Meteor Man (1993), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and various other films and stand-up specials. He is especially known for his eponymous self-titled character, Robert Peterson as the starring role as on The WB sitcom The Parent 'Hood (1995–1999), a series which he created and of which directed select episodes. Townsend is also known for his role as Donald "Duck" Matthews in his 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. He later wrote, directed and produced Making The Five Heartbeats (2018), a documentary film about the production process and behind the scenes insight into creating the film. Townsend is also known for his production company Townsend Entertainment which has produced films Playin' for Love, In the Hive and more. During the 1980s and early–1990s, Townsend gained national exposure through his stand-up comedy routines and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Townsend has worked with talent including Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Chris Tucker, Beyoncé, Denzel Washington and many more.
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: February 06, 1957
Deathday: N/A
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Known For
Senior Trip
1981-12-30
Senior Trip
Overview: A group of graduating students from a midwestern high school comes to New York City on a trip to celebrate the impending end of school. The students include: Roger Ellis, an ambitious teen aiming for success in big business; David, an aspiring rock star; Judy Matheson, a stagestruck coed actress wannabe; Denise, a free-spirited girl hoping to obtain a degree of sophistication; Fred, a lotharo looking for any Big City woman to be with; and Jon Lipton, a would-be artist hoping to make it big. Mickey Rooney also appears briefly as himself during the backstage scene at the musical "Sugar Babies."
Genres: Comedy Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1981-12-30
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The Meteor Man
1993-08-06
The Meteor Man
Overview: One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community from the dreaded Golden Lords.
Genres: Fantasy Action Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-08-06
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The Mighty Quinn
1989-02-17
The Mighty Quinn
Overview: Police chief Xavier Quinn investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island. He was found decapitated in his Jacuzzi. Although the local political establishment, especially crooked Governor Chalk, insists that small-time thief Maubee is responsible, Xavier has his doubts. This view is complicated by the police chief's personal history with Maubee: The men have been friends since childhood.
Genres: Action Crime Drama Mystery Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-02-17
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A Soldier's Story
1984-09-14
A Soldier's Story
Overview: In a rural town in Louisiana, a black Master Sergeant is found shot to death just outside the local Army Base. Military lawyer, Captain Davenport—also a black man—is sent from Washington to conduct an investigation. Facing an uncooperative chain of command and fearful black troops, Davenport must battle with deceit and prejudice in order to find out exactly who really did kill the Master Sergeant.
Genres: Mystery Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1984-09-14
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Hollywood Shuffle
1987-03-20
Hollywood Shuffle
Overview: Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film "Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge." When Tinseltown Studios casts Taylor in the title role, he has a series of conflicted dreams satirizing African-American stereotypes in Hollywood, and must reconcile his career goals with his desire to remain a positive role model for his little brother.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-03-20
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Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
2003-01-01
Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!!
Overview: This documentary praises comedian Richard Pryor by showing fragments of various shows Pryor made and having famous comedians talk about the importance and greatness of Pryor. Different themes are reviewed this way. Among others, they are the use of the word nigger, the way Pryor talked about racism, the fact Pryor talked openly about his own faults on-stage and the fact he didn't mince matters.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-01-01
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The Five Heartbeats
1991-03-29
The Five Heartbeats
Overview: In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, however, the guys learn many hard lessons about the reality of the music industry.
Genres: Drama Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1991-03-29
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Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
2009-01-01
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Overview: Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-01-01
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I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
1988-11-10
I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Overview: Jack Spade returns from the army in his old ghetto neighbourhood when his brother, June Bug, dies. Jack declares war on Mr. Big, powerful local crimelord. His army is led by John Slade, his childhood idol who used to fight bad guys in the 70s.
Genres: Comedy Action Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-11-10
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Odd Jobs
1986-03-01
Odd Jobs
Overview: Five college buddies start their own moving business only to find themselves tangling with sleazy competitors and the mob.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-03-01
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Directors on Directing
2009-09-24
Directors on Directing
Overview: A look at the development of film making and its contribution to the social and political times form the perspective of Black film makers.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-09-24
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Ratboy
1986-10-17
Ratboy
Overview: A failed window dresser exploits a being with rat-like features in an effort to make money.
Genres: Comedy Crime Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-10-17
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The Warriors
1979-02-01
The Warriors
Overview: Prominent gang leader Cyrus calls a meeting of New York's gangs to set aside their turf wars and take over the city. At the meeting, a rival leader kills Cyrus, but a Coney Island gang called the Warriors is wrongly blamed for Cyrus' death. Before you know it, the cops and every gangbanger in town is hot on the Warriors' trail.
Genres: Action Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1979-02-01
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Black Listed
2003-01-21
Black Listed
Overview: Alan Chambers (Townsend) is a lawyer and sick of his job. He corrals his friends into forming a vigilante group. Everyone goes along with it at first, until it turns sour and innocent people start dying, and Alan is the only one left standing.
Genres: Action Thriller Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2003-01-21
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Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
1986-09-06
Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me
Overview: Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986. Comedians include Jeff Altman, Roseanne Barr, Sam Kinison, Bob Nelson, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Townsend, and, of course, Rodney Dangerfield.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1986-09-06
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Taxman
1999-09-16
Taxman
Overview: After a homocide that the police believe is over gasoline theft, a tax investigator discovers the Russian mafia is involved and that they are stealing millions in gasoline tax money. Only one rookie cop is willing to believe him and together they must get the evidence they need or die trying.
Genres: Action Crime Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-09-16
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Of Boys and Men
2008-10-21
Of Boys and Men
Overview: Robert Townsend stars as the patriarch of a family devastated when his wife is killed in a senseless auto accident. Reeling with grief, each family member must find courage and vision to carry on, ultimately eager to do the mother proud.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-10-21
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Tao of The Golden Mask
2007-06-23
Tao of The Golden Mask
Overview: In the 70's, Langston Faizon Santisima, barely 18, left his native Cuba on an impossible quest- to direct a film starring Bruce Lee. Against all odds, and with no background in film making, the aspiring young director made it to Thailand where created a legendary but lost martial arts classic- thus becoming a founding father of the martial arts movie genre. Or not...
Genres: No genres available
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2007-06-23
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Up, Up, and Away
2000-01-22
Up, Up, and Away
Overview: A boy is the only family member without superpowers in this Disney Film. The world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers. Will he realize that it doesn't take superpowers to be a hero in time to help them defeat the villains?
Genres: Action Family TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-01-22
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Edge of Outside
2006-06-11
Edge of Outside
Overview: An hour-long documentary designed to celebrate the spirit of the independent filmmaker from D.W. Griffith to Quentin Tarantino. Interview footage and film clips are blended together to form a chronological approach to the subject matter.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2006-06-11
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Uptown Comedy Express
1987-05-09
Uptown Comedy Express
Overview: TV Special with a variety of comedians
Genres: Comedy Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-05-09
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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
1988-09-24
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
Overview: Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This second riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Sinbad, David Allen Grier and Damon Wayans also star.
Genres: Comedy Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-09-24
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Mercenary II: Thick & Thin
1999-07-20
Mercenary II: Thick & Thin
Overview: Mercenary Captain "Hawk" is in Acion again to save a hostage. But he and his team are betrayed. Nothing is as it seems...
Genres: Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-07-20
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Robin Harris: One Night Stand
1990-03-03
Robin Harris: One Night Stand
Overview: American stand-up comedian Robin Harris performs his legendary comedic jokes as part of HBO's classic comedy series One Night Stand.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-03-03
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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
1987-12-19
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
Overview: From comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show business. Featuring Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, and Paul Mooney among others Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime, Vol. 1 sends up such pop-culture staples as Dynasty and Michael Jackson.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-12-19
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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
1989-09-16
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Overview: Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This fourth and final volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Franklin Ajaye, Reynaldo Rey, John Witherspoon and musical guest M.C. Hammer also star.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-09-16
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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
1989-05-20
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Overview: Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This third riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Robin Harris, Tommy Davidson, Shawn Wayans and musical guest Bobby Brown also star.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-05-20
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Cooley High
1975-06-25
Cooley High
Overview: In the mid-1960s, a group of high school friends who live on the Near North Side of Chicago enjoy life to the fullest...parties, hanging out, meeting new friends. Then life changes for two of the guys when they are falsely arrested in connection with stealing a Cadillac. We follow their lives through to the dramatic end of high school.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1975-06-25
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I Was a Teenage Faust
2002-06-01
I Was a Teenage Faust
Overview: 15 year old Brendan Willy hates himself for being un-cool when he falls in love with the girl of his dreams. Enter Mr. Five, a no good tempter from hell, which in his last attempt to ensnare a soul before being fried for eternity, transforms Brendan into the coolest kid in Indiana, only to find out that this contract isn't going to be easy at all.
Genres: Comedy Family Fantasy TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-06-01
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Playin' for Love
2015-01-16
Playin' for Love
Overview: Coach Banks (Robert Townsend) is used to calling all the shots for his championship high school basketball team and in his own love life. But that’s about to change when he meets, Talisa McCoy (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), the mother of a star player, new to Jackson high. She’s a beautiful, strong-willed single mom, with her own ideas on a winning team…and the perfect man. Now, this coach will have to learn a few new plays if he’s going to stay in the game.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2015-01-16
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That's Adequate
1989-01-20
That's Adequate
Overview: This mockumentary about fictional movie studio Adequate Pictures boasts an interesting cast. Tony Randall hosts, and James CoCo (practically on his deathbed) stars as head of the studio. Includes parodies of everything from silent comedies to porn, including an ultra violent "three stooges" style comedy team who put a new spin on the eye poking gag.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-01-20
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Streets of Fire
1984-06-01
Streets of Fire
Overview: Raven Shaddock and his gang of merciless biker friends kidnap rock singer Ellen Aim. Ellen's former lover, soldier-for-hire Tom Cody, happens to be passing through town on a visit. In an attempt to save his star act, Ellen's manager hires Tom to rescue her. Along with a former soldier, they battle through dangerous cityscapes, determined to get Ellen back.
Genres: Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1984-06-01
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Undercover Brother
2002-05-31
Undercover Brother
Overview: An Afro-American organization, the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., is in permanent fight against a white organization "The Man" defending the values of the black people in North America. When the Afro-American candidate Gen. Warren Boutwell behaves strangely in his presidential campaign, Undercover Brother is hired to work undercover for "The Man" and find what happened with the potential candidate.
Genres: Action Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-05-31
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The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
1994-01-01
The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder
Overview: Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as "King of the Party Records," Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.
Genres: Documentary Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1994-01-01
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In Love with an Older Woman
1982-11-24
In Love with an Older Woman
Overview: A 29-year-old lawyer falls for a 43-year-old woman.
Genres: Comedy Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-11-24
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A Walk with Charles Burnett
2019-02-27
A Walk with Charles Burnett
Overview: Filmmaker Robert Townsend executive-produced the following fifty-six-minute program for Criterion’s Meet the Filmmakers series in 2018. In it, he and Charles Burnett reflect on Burnett’s groundbreaking career in cinema, returning to South Central Los Angeles and the shooting locations of his landmark films Killer of Sheep and To Sleep with Anger.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-02-27
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Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
2002-02-14
Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs
Overview: Book of Love delivers humor along with the mysteries of unrequited love and relationships gone bad. The film's story line focuses on three men living, dating and loving in Los Angeles in the 90's. They struggle with heartbreak and insecurity as a result of failed relationships. The three characters’ stories unfold through sessions with their therapist – sessions that are often as comedic as they are insightful.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-02-14
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Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
2012-03-07
Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire
Overview: Scooby and the gang have their first musical mystery in “Scooby Doo: Music of the Vampire.” It begins when they take a sing-a-long road trip into bayou country to attend the “Vampire-Palooza Festival” – an outdoor fair dedicated to all things Draculian. At first it looks as if they’re in for some fun and lots of Southern snacks, but events soon turn scary when a real live vampire comes to life, bursts from his coffin and threatens all the townsfolk. On top of that, this baritone blood sucker seems intent on taking Daphne as his vampire bride! Could the vampire be a descendant of a famous vampire hunter who is trying to sell his book? Or perhaps he’s the local politician, who has been trying to make his name in the press by attacking the vampires as downright unwholesome. The answers are to be found in a final song-filled showdown in the swamp in which our heroes unmask one of their most macabre monsters yet.
Genres: Family Animation Mystery Adventure Comedy Fantasy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2012-03-07
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Joseph's Gift
1999-01-01
Joseph's Gift
Overview: Joseph is the youngest member of a large family that owns a successful garment business in Los Angeles. His father, Jacob, makes no attempt at hiding the fact that Joseph is his favorite son, resulting in the constant envy and resentment of his brothers. Eventually, in their bitterness, they plot revenge against this favored son. When Joseph accompanies his brothers on a trip to New York, they commit the ultimate betrayal, stranding him there, a virtual prisoner in a corrupt, modern-day sweat shop.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-01-01
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Willie and Phil
1980-08-15
Willie and Phil
Overview: Life imitates art when two Manhattanites — pompous teacher Willie and quiet photographer Phil — become friends after a thought-provoking screening of "Jules et Jim," Truffaut's classic film about a decades-long ménage à trois. Soon, the men meet Jeanette, a sexually liberated southern transplant who promptly falls for both of them. Frustrated passions curdle into jealousy as Jeanette entertains love affairs with each in the ensuing years.
Genres: Comedy Drama Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-08-15
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American Flyers
1985-08-16
American Flyers
Overview: When Dr. Marcus Sommers realizes that he and his troubled, estranged brother David may be prone a fatal brain disease that runs in their family, he decides to make peace with his sibling, and invites him on a trip to the Rockies. There, the brothers bond over their shared enthusiasm for cycling and decide to enter a grueling bike race through the mountains. However, Marcus' health soon begins to fail, and David must compete without his brother at his side.
Genres: Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1985-08-16
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Love Songs
1999-04-25
Love Songs
Overview: Louis Gossett, Jr, Robert Townsend and Andre Braugher come together to each direct a short story, all of which are interconnected through themes of love and family. Set in the same predominantly black neighbourhood in North Philadelphia, these threecompelling tales tell the stories of an up-and-coming heavyweight boxer, a vegetable vendor, and a man who must protect a family member from the abuse of another.
Genres: Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-04-25
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Women at West Point
1979-02-27
Women at West Point
Overview: A fictionalized drama about the first women to enter the U.S. Military Academy in 1976 and the reactions they faced.
Genres: Drama TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1979-02-27
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Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media
1997-01-01
Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media
Overview: Cultural theorist Stuart Hall offers an extended meditation on representation. Moving beyond the accuracy or inaccuracy of specific representations, Hall argues that the process of representation itself constitutes the very world it aims to represent, and explores how the shared language of a culture, its signs and images, provides a conceptual roadmap that gives meaning to the world rather than simply reflecting it. Hall's concern throughout is the centrality of culture to the shaping of our collective perceptions, and how the dynamics of media representation reproduce forms of symbolic power.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1997-01-01
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Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light
2000-02-02
Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light
Overview: Actor/director Sidney Poitier discusses his life and career. He tells of his upbringing in Jamaica; the difficulties he encountered in New York City at the start of his career; his involvement in the US civil-rights movement; and efforts to end apartheid in South Africa. Friends and acquaintances, as well as other performers, give their insights about what makes him so special.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2000-02-02
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The Monkey Hustle
1976-12-24
The Monkey Hustle
Overview: A new highway threatens a Chicago neighborhood, so to protest the residents throw a block party.
Genres: Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1976-12-24
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Jackie's Back!
1999-06-14
Jackie's Back!
Overview: A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert.
Genres: Comedy Music TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1999-06-14
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