Three the Hard Way (1974)

Blaxploitation film about three martial-arts specialists who prevent white supremacists from tainting the U.S. water supply with a toxin that's only harmful to black people.

Director:

Gordon Parks Jr.

Writers:

Eric Bercovici, Jerrold L. Ludwig (as Jerry Ludwig)

Stars:

Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Jim Kelly

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jim Brown	...	Jimmy Lait
Fred Williamson	...	Jagger Daniels
Jim Kelly	...	Mister Keyes
Sheila Frazier	...	Wendy Kane
Jay Robinson	...	Monroe Feather
Charles McGregor	...	Charley
Howard Platt	...	Keep
Richard Angarola	...	Dr. Fortrero
David Chow	...	Link
Marian Collier	...	Eva
Junero Jennings	...	House
Alex Rocco	...	Lt. Di Nisco
Corbin Bernsen	...	Boy
Renie Radich	...	Girl
Janice Carroll	...	Nurse

Storyline

The story involves a white supremist plot to taint the United States water supply with a toxin that is harmless to whites but lethal to blacks. The only obstacles that stand in the way of this dastardly plan are Jim Brown, Fred Williamson and Jim Kelly, who shoot, kick and karate chop their way to final victory.

---

Plot Keywords:

beer | chess | red wine | pool table | chased by a car | 

---

Taglines:

Sometimes the ONLY way to get it done is the HARD WAY!

---

Genres:

Action | Thriller

---

Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

A sequel to the film was proposed by star Fred Williamson which would've featured the return of him, Jim Brown and Jim Kelly in another adventure after the success of this film. Unfortunately, Warner Bros. and Allied Artists were not really interested in a sequel and the idea was scrapped.

---

Goofs

The blue van alternates from shot to shot between two very different models.

---

Quotes

Dr. Fortrero: This little mixture of mine is as lethal as cyanide and as selective as a lady buying perfume.

---

Alternate Versions

Additional scenes were added to the TV version to pad out the running time and for content.

---

Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The 1970s (2002)

---

Soundtracks

That's What Love Will Do
Music by Richard Tufo
Lyrics by Lowrell Simon
Performed by The Impressions (as Impressions)
Courtesy of Buddah and Curtom Records

User Reviews

One of the best 'blaxplotation' movies of the'70s

Three the hard way is one of, if not the best blaxplotation movies to come out of the '70s. Directed by Gordon Parks Jr. (Superfly), it is about three black friends aimed at stopping a white supremisist plot of commiting genocide on the black race by poisoning the water supply. The trio consists of Fred Williamson, Jim 'The Dragon' Kelly and Jim Brown on a non-stop thrill ride, a truly fun movie.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

26 June 1974 (USA)

Also Known As:

Three the Hard Way

Filming Locations:

315 West 70th Street, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$1,800,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Allied Artists Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min 105 min (television)

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1