Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jimmy Cliff | ... | Ivanhoe "Ivan" Martin | |
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Janet Bartley | ... | Elsa |
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Carl Bradshaw | ... | Jose Smith |
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Ras Daniel Hartman | ... | Pedro |
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Basil Keane | ... | Preacher |
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Bob Charlton | ... | Hilton |
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Winston Stona | ... | Detective Ray Jones |
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Lucia White | ... | Mother |
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Volair Johnson | ... | Pushcart Boy |
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Beverly Anderson | ... | Housewife |
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Clover Lewis | ... | Market Woman |
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Elijah Chambers | ... | Longa |
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Prince Buster | ... | DJ at Dance |
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Ed 'Bim' Lewis | ... | Photographer |
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Bobby Loban | ... | Fitz |
With dreams of becoming a successful Reggae singer, a young Jamaican man finds corruption from his record producers and the drug pushers they're connected to. Rather than fail his dreams Ivan lets nothing stand in his way, not even the law. Written by Daniel Jos. Leary
I was a recent immigrant from the caribbean back in 1973 when this film was released. I was sooo thrilled when it met with such good reviews and commercial success. Years later, as an adult, I had a viewing party for some friends who wanted to see, in general, a different genre of film, and in particular, caribbean films (I highly recommend; "Dancehall Queen, and "The Lunatic" for those interested in island fare.) One friend saw the title and thought it was a "blue" movie. After what seemed like hours of laughter, we settled in to watch. They truly enjoyed it, and I (now grown,) could understand the subtleties and layers sometimes lost on a younger viewer. The gritty look of the film added to and enhanced the entire project. I have had occasion to view it a few more times since then, and it never loses its appeal. I also cry every time I hear Jimmy Cliff sing "White Cliffs of Dover." 'Cross many rivers' if you have to, but see this film.