Super Fly (1972)

Director:

Gordon Parks Jr.

Writer:

Phillip Fenty (writer)

Release Date:

4 August 1972 (USA)

Genre:

Action | Crime | Drama

Tagline:

Never a dude like this one! He's got a plan to stick it to The Man!

Plot:

Super Fly is a cocaine dealer who begins to realize that his life will soon end with either prison or his death...

Plot Keywords:

Drugs | Racial Slur | African American | Convertible | Racism

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Ron O'Neal	...	Priest
Carl Lee	...	Eddie
Sheila Frazier	...	Georgia (as Shiela Frazier)
Julius Harris	...	Scatter
Charles McGregor	...	Fat Freddie (as Charles MacGregor)
Nate Adams	...	Dealer
Polly Niles	...	Cynthia
Yvonne Delaine	...	Mrs. Freddie
Henry Shapiro	...	Robbery Victim
K.C.	...	Pimp
James G. Richardson	...	Junkie (as Jim Richardson)
Make Bray	...	Junkie
Al Kiggins	...	Police
Bob Bonds	...	Police
Fred Rolaf	...	Police

Also Known As:

Superfly (USA) (alternative spelling)

Runtime:

93 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Norway:16 | New Zealand:R18 | Canada:14A | Finland:K-16 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 (video rating) (1988) | UK:X (original rating) | USA:R

Filming Locations:

East Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Company:

Sig Shore Productions

Trivia:

Star Ron O'Neal didn't like the cocaine montage. In an E! True Hollywood Story interview, he said it so glorified drug use, the montage was akin to a "commercial for cocaine."

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: During the opening foot chase, the camera cord becomes visible several times at the bottom of the screen.

Quotes:

Youngblood Priest: Wanna blow?

Movie Connections:

Featured in "I Love the '70s: Volume 2" (2006)

Soundtrack:

Eddie You Should Know Better

Interesting and realistic perspective

This gritty, low budget film offers a unique and honest perspective on the underworld of black street life in the early 1970s, with an almost tragic, Shakepearian, bent. The look, the feel and language of the culture and the almost real-time look street life in NYC of that era is truly unmatched by any film before or since. Perhaps through genius, inspiration, maybe just plain luck, or all three, the producers and director hit the nail right on the head. Starring an excellent, intelligent cast of professional thespians, some with impressive stage and film credentials, and augmented by a wonderful infusion of genuine non-professionals right from the street in key roles, the film has an honesty and gritty reality that belies its budgetary constraints. Filmed largely without the permission of local authorities and unions, in winter and often after dark, it has a cinema verite feel throughout; almost a documentary. And the score! Composed and performed by Curtis Mayfield, it is as close to an utter classic as has ever been offered. It stands alone, and would have been a multi-platinum offering even without the film. If one takes the inherent flaws to this type of production; i.e. the rough editing, slightly uneven performances and almost clandestine feel, and places these in proper perspective, it is sure to delight all but the most hardened and jaded enthusiasts of film. Notable: this film set THE STYLE for black, urban culture for most of the next decade. It has no current rivals in that accomplishment. After this film, simply everything since has been empty posturing vis-a-vis popular rap music. It was "remade" during the mid 1990s and set in Miami as "Big Ballers", which was utterly horrible. Compare the two and you will see what style counts for. This film is the real deal. I spent money I didn't have to get this DVD. Go buy it, trust me.