Ninth Street (1999)

The inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays... See full summary »

Directors:

Tim Rebman, Kevin Willmott

Writers:

Kevin Willmott (play), Kevin Willmott (screenplay)

Stars:

Don Washington, Kevin Willmott, Nadine Griffith

Cast

Credited cast:
Don Washington	...	Bebo
Kevin Willmott	...	Huddie
Nadine Griffith	...	Carrie Mae
Byron Myrick	...	Love
Isaac Hayes	...	Tippytoe
Queen Bey	...	Mama Butler
Kaycee Moore	...	Pop-Bottle Ruby
Martin Sheen	...	Father Frank
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Reggie Banks	...	Bar Customer-Opening Scene
Brian Paulette	...	Mechanic
Robert Sokol	...	Voiceover Artist (voice)
Debra Washington	...	Biscuit

Storyline

The inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays when legendary jazz musicians regularly played its clubs. In 1968, the area has diminished to strip clubs and juke joints inhabited by Vietnam War draftees that pass through from nearby Fort Riley. Heads of the group include a wino who lost a leg in WWII, a taxi dispatcher, a saloon owner, and a crazed bag lady. The younger generation is represented by a young prostitute who is trying to get off the streets, but is forced to continue to work by a no-good boy friend and the need to feed her baby. Martin Sheen also appears as a white minister who prefers the people in the area over his own congregation.

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Plot Keywords:

based on play | independent film

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, a scene of sexuality and some violence

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 1999 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hodcarrier Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Color:

Black and White

Did You Know?

Quotes

Bebo: That's one thing the white man don't like: y'all messin' with his women. He don't want nobody abusin' them but him.

User Reviews

Refreshing, funny, and poetic

The film portrays a city block and its inhabitants on many levels and at many times: World War II, Vietnam, and perhaps even the hopelessness of today. I felt I might be watching a documentary of the decline of Ninth Street, Jefferson City, Kansas, south of Ft Riley as it loses its economic base (fun-seeking soldiers) and its soul (home towners).

There is a feeling of impending disaster - occasionally relieved by humor - as one conflict after another simmers, but unlike "Do The Right Thing" the neighborhood lurches from one tragedy to another until there's no one left.

I was disappointed that this moving story of self-destructive violence and exploitation was set in a black "community" but of course that's part of the story.

A definite antidote to the formulaic, garishly colored, over-technical product of today's Hollywood. Will clean your palette.