Cleopatra Jones (1973)

During the 1970s, U.S. Special Agent Cleopatra Jones proves to be an invaluable asset to the local police forces in the war on drugs.

Director:

Jack Starrett

Writers:

Max Julien (screenplay), Sheldon Keller (screenplay)

Stars:

Tamara Dobson, Bernie Casey, Brenda Sykes

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
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 Beeker
Arnold Dover	...	Art
Angela Elayne Gibbs	...	Annie (as Angela Gibbs)

Storyline

Cleopatra Jones is a United States Special Agent assigned to crack down on drug-trafficking in the U.S. and abroad. After she burns a Turkish poppy field, the notorious drug-lord Mommy is furious at the loss of her supply and vows to destroy Cleopatra Jones. Mommy uses her connections with bad cops on the force to cause trouble for Cleopatra's friends and set her up for an attack. Meanwhile, Mommy is having trouble with some of her pushers, like the renegade Doodlebug.

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Plot Keywords:

woman | car | automobile | chevrolet | ford | 

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Taglines:

Cleo teaches drug traffickers the meaning of saying no!

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Genres:

Action | Crime | Thriller

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Certificate:

PG

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 July 1973 (USA)

Also Known As:

Dynamite Jones

Filming Locations:

Watts, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros., William Tennant Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

The lead role of was originally written for Vonetta McGee.

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Goofs

During the chase scene, the red Mustang starts off with no hubcaps. Later in the shot, one flies off. In later scenes, it loses the remaining hubcaps.

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Quotes

Cleopatra Jones: The next time you pull a razor on me, you better shave.

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Connections

Spoofed in I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)

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Soundtracks

Hurts So Good
Music and Lyrics by J.J. Johnson
Performed by Millie Jackson

User Reviews

A fun flick!

Cleopatra Jones was an inspired effort, given the period it was made. As a black male, I really appreciate the film. The character is one of liberation, and contrary to what has been said about the film, her job is to get rid of drugs, and keep America safe, black or white!!! And yes, you can do good in the hood and look good as well! She is clearly not meant to be anti-establishment, and the story goes a long way in that regard. It is too bad that characters such as Cleopatra Jones, Foxy Brown, and Coffy do not get the credit they deserve. You wouldn't find too many strong heroines beside Wonder Woman, until Ellen Ripley comes along in Alien.