Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

An actor limited to stereotypical roles because of his ethnicity, dreams of making it big as a highly respected performer. As he makes his rounds, the film takes a satiric look at African American actors in Hollywood.

Director:

Robert Townsend

Writers:

Robert Townsend, Keenen Ivory Wayans,

Stars:

Robert Townsend, Craigus R. Johnson, Helen Martin

1 win & 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Townsend	...	Bobby Taylor / Jasper / Speed / Sam Ace / Rambro
Craigus R. Johnson	...	Stevie Taylor
Helen Martin	...	Bobby's Grandmother
Starletta DuPois	...	Bobby's Mother
Marc Figueroa	...	Sitcom Father / Client #2
Sarah Kaite Coughlan	...	Sitcom Girlfriend / Rehearsing Actress (as Sarah Kate Coughlin)
Sean Michal Flynn	...	Sitcom Boyfriend
Brad Sanders	...	Batty Boy
David McKnight	...	Uncle Ray
Keenen Ivory Wayans	...	Donald / Jheri Curl
Lou B. Washington	...	Tiny (as Ludie Washington)
Anne-Marie Johnson	...	Lydia / Willie Mae / Hooker #5
Don Reed	...	Maurice
Kim Wayans	...	Customer in Chair
Gregory 'Popeye' Alexander	...	Pimp / Eddie Murphy-Type

Storyline

Bobby Taylor wants to be a respected actor. From Sam Spade to Shakespeare to superheros, he can do it all. He just has to convince Hollywood that gangstas, slaves and "Eddie Murphy-types" aren't the sum of his talents.

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Plot Keywords:

actor | african american | dream | two word title | filmmaking | 

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Taglines:

Bobby Taylor was on his way to becoming a star, when a funny thing happened.....

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

R

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 March 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Robert Townsend's Hollywood Shuffle

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$100,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$5,228,617 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Conquering Unicorn

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min 81 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Since this movie was shot without permits, the crew all wore UCLA t-shirts so they could pass themselves off as students learning how to film in the field.

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Goofs

In the "Chicago Jones" movie clip, the girl has on a white dress, in the split second that they are shown jumping, she has a red dress on.

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Quotes

The guy from the Dirty Larry clip: What you say, honky sucker pig-head jive-turkey fool?

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Connections

Spoofs Roots (1977)

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Soundtracks

"Closer to You"
Sung by Howard Smith and Patrice Rushen
Music by Patrice Rushen
Lyrics by Patrice Rushen and Sheree Brown
Publisher Baby Fingers Music/Shownbreree Music

User Reviews

Perfect

I've forced this film on all my friends and there isn't one who regrets seeing it. A couple haven't been that enthusiastic at first; thought it was all right but didn't understand the fuss I make about it, but the next day they'll want to watch it again.

I find it pretty embarrassing when someone quotes the inevitable Austin Powers, but for months after seeing this film I just couldn't help it - probably the reason I had to get everyone I know to watch it.

Some films have great scenes and some are just good films; this is both. Genuinely funny with real heart.

Say it with me now: WINKY DINKY DOGGG.