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.

---

Plot Keywords:

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

---

Taglines:

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

---

Genres:

Comedy

---

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

A headshot of actress Helen Martin can be seen behind Robert Townsend at his big audition.

---

Goofs

At the end "Chicago Jones" movie clip, the girl complains about a run in her stocking. However, at the beginning of the clip, she is shown bare-legged.

---

Quotes

Bobby Taylor: There's always work at the post office.

---

Connections

Featured in Black to the Future: Hour 2: The 80s (2009)

---

Soundtracks

"Rebels of the Night"
Sung by Richard McGregor (as R. McGregor), Angela Teek (as A. Teek), Roy Fegan (as R. Fegan),
Dom Irrera (as D. Irrera)
Music by Bruce Cecil, Morris O'Connor
Lyrics by Bruce Cecil, Robert Townsend

User Reviews

It's quite a story . . .

. . . just the idea of having the audacity to finance a major movie using one's credit cards. And while it's unclear what those card companies thought of the project, the movie-going public are the recipients.

Robert Townsend, infant terrible of the late 80s makes a splashy, dynamic debut in "Hollywood Shuffle." There's no doubting Townsend's unbridled energy, imagination, and punch. Here's a man who has something to say, and uses comedy, parody and satire to make his points.

How the film will appeal depends on individual tastes. However, Townsend has assembled a good looking cast, which throws itself into the proceedings with enthusiasm and verve.

More power, Mr. Townsend.