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Black Caesar (1973)
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Overview
User Rating:
Director:
Writer:
Larry Cohen (writer)
Release Date:
7 February 1973 (USA)
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Tagline:
Hail Caesar, Godfather of Harlem...The Cat with the .45-Caliber Claws!
Plot:
Tommy Gibbs is a tough kid, raised in the ghetto, who aspires to be a kingpin criminal. As a young boy...
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| full synopsis
NewsDesk:
(2 articles)
Adrian "Aj" Younge - "Shot Me In The Heart" (Black Dynamite Ost)
(From LateFilmFull. 18 October 2009, 7:47 AM, PDT)
Black Actors Blast Civil Rights Groups Over 'Blaxploitation'
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 13 August 2002)
(From LateFilmFull. 18 October 2009, 7:47 AM, PDT)
Black Actors Blast Civil Rights Groups Over 'Blaxploitation'
(From Studio Briefing - Film News. 13 August 2002)
User Comments:
Among the best blaxploitation films, "Black Caesar" is also a compelling drama
more (24 total)
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Fred Williamson | ... | Tommy Gibbs | |
| Gloria Hendry | ... | Helen | |
| Art Lund | ... | McKinney | |
| D'Urville Martin | ... | Rev. Rufus | |
| Julius Harris | ... | Mr. Gibbs | |
| Minnie Gentry | ... | Mama Gibbs | |
| Philip Roye | ... | Joe Washington | |
| William Wellman Jr. | ... | Alfred Coleman | |
| James Dixon | ... | Bryant | |
| Val Avery | ... | Cardoza | |
| Patrick McAllister | ... | Grossfield | |
| Don Pedro Colley | ... | Crawdaddy | |
| Myrna Hansen | ... | Virginia Coleman | |
| Omer Jeffrey | ... | Tommy as a boy | |
| Michael Jeffrey | ... | Joe as a boy |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
The Godfather of Harlem (UK)
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Parents Guide:
Runtime:
87 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Netherlands:16 |
Finland:(Banned) (1988) |
West Germany:18 |
USA:TV-MA (cable rating) |
UK:18 |
USA:R
Filming Locations:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Originally offered to Sammy Davis Jr., who turned it down.
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Goofs:
Miscellaneous: When the police officer follows Tommy across the street after he leaves Tiffany's, a passenger in a truck in the background can be seen waving frantically at the camera.
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Quotes:
Tommy Gibbs:
[at Mama's funeral] I gave her everything she wanted, Rufus, but she still wasn't ever happy.
Reverend Rufus: You know, I almost feel like I could pray for her.
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Reverend Rufus: You know, I almost feel like I could pray for her.
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Movie Connections:
Referenced in Happiness Is No Fun. (2005)
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Soundtrack:
Mama's Dead
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FAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more (24 total)
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Black Caesar (1973)| Recent Posts (updated daily) | User |
|---|---|
| When your down and out in New YORK CITY... | mondo- |
| The Ending | Stephanie_Mosley |
| Edited music... | 5thcord |
| were the kids white? | nnazem |
| Fred is so hot! | showgurls |
| Another BIG goof | psychoren2002 |
Recommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
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| Scarface | The Departed | The Godfather | New Jack City | American Gangster |
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"Black Caesar" proves that not all grindhouse films were simple and unintelligent. It has an intelligent screenplay with believable characters while still having enough seedy goods to please drive-in fans. Larry Cohen has always been an interesting filmmaker and even his lesser films still have a clear social message. "Black Caesar" is one of his most entertaining films and one of the best from the blaxploitation era. If you thought all blaxploitation films were like "Dolemite" and "The Black Gestapo", than check this out.
The film works so well because its drama is exploitive yet still compelling. While the supporting acting is rather subpar, Fred Williamson gives a terrific performance. At his finest, he was one of blaxploitation's most charismatic and talented stars. He adds a lot more depth to the central character. "Black Caesar" really has everything you could ask for from one of these films - lots of action, sex, and a funky soundtrack courtesy the godfather himself James Brown. The direction by Cohen keeps everything at a brisk pace and the action is truly exciting. "Black Caesar" is one of the best blaxploitation films out there. (7/10)