Cleopatra Jones (1973)

User Rating:

5.4/10   

Director:

Jack Starrett

Writers:

Max Julien (story)
Max Julien (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

July 1973 (USA)

Genre:

Action

Tagline:

She's "Ten Miles of Bad Road" For Every Hood in Town!

Plot:

Cleopatra Jones is a United States Special Agent assigned to crack down on drug-trafficking in the U.S...

Plot Keywords:

Poppy Field | Martial Arts | Blaxploitation | Obesity | Camel

Cast

Tamara Dobson	...	Cleopatra Jones
Bernie Casey	...	Reuben
Brenda Sykes	...	Tiffany
Antonio Fargas	...	Doodlebug Simkins
Dan Frazer	...	Crawford
Bill McKinney	...	Purdy
Stafford Morgan	...	Sgt. Kert
Michael Warren	...	Andy (as Mike Warren)
Albert Popwell	...	Matthew Johnson
Caro Kenyatta	...	Melvin Johnson
Esther Rolle	...	Mrs. Johnson
Keith Hamilton	...	Maxwell Woodman
Jay Montgomery	...	Jimmy Beekers
Arnold Dover	...	Art
Angela Elayne Gibbs	...	Annie

Runtime:

89 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:A (Nova Scotia) | Canada:PG (Manitoba/Ontario) | Finland:K-16 | Norway:16 (1973) | Sweden:15 | USA:PG | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Hollywood Boulevard, Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Warner Bros. Pictures

Trivia:

Cleo's ride in the film is a customized black and silver 1973 Corvette Stingray. When she opens the door to get out, the T-bar panel in the roof above the driver's seat automatically opens as well so she can get out without squashing her afro.

Quotes:

Doodlebug: See you around, Super Honkie!

Movie Connections:

Spoofed in The Kentucky Fried Movie (1977)

Soundtrack:

Love Doctor

Funky & Fun Gem!

"Cleopatra Jones" was one of the first "blaxploitation" movies that I ever saw back in the '70s. Tamara Dobson plays Cleopatra Jones, a government agent that must crack a drug ring run by Mommy, Shelley Winters. This movie has a nice pace, and looks like it had a fairly big budget for this genre. Tamara plays the role flawlessly and with style. Some of those fashions! I am surprised she could do some kung-fu fighting with those killer platform shoes on. The other thing that stands out in my mind about this movie is Cleo's sexy corvette, complete with a cassette deck! This was state of the art back in '73 for most cars came with the standard AM radio, or if you wanted to, you could upgrade to 8-track! Shelley Winters is funny and over-the-top with her role as Mommy, the Queen of drug trade. Her performance just adds to the campy appeal of this movie. The supporting cast do well too, and round out this made-for-drive-in classic! The DVD is very basic with no extras, however, it is presented in it's original "cinemascope" aspect ratio. The print looks good, and clear. I am glad that this movie is available on DVD, for it's an enjoyable taste of the '70s!