6.2/10
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8 user 4 critic

The River Niger (1976)

R | | Drama | 14 April 1976 (USA)
The River Niger Poster
An intimate look at life in the ghetto: Johnny Williams is a house painter who moonlights as a poet, struggling to financially and emotionally support his cancer-ridden wife Mattie. But ... See full summary »

Director:

Krishna Shah

Writers:

Joseph A. Walker (play), Joseph A. Walker (screenplay)

Stars:

Cicely Tyson, James Earl Jones, Louis Gossett Jr. | See full cast & crew »
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Cast

Cast overview:
Cicely Tyson ... Mattie Williams
James Earl Jones ... Johnny Williams
Louis Gossett Jr. ... Dr. Dudley Stanton (as Lou Gossett)
Glynn Turman ... Jeff Williams
Jonelle Allen ... Ann Vanderguild
Roger E. Mosley ... Big Moe Hayes
Ralph Wilcox Ralph Wilcox ... Al
Teddy Wilson ... Chips
Charles Weldon ... Skeeter
Shirley Jo Finney ... Gail
Hilda Haynes Hilda Haynes ... Wilhelmina Geneva Brown
Zakes Mokae
Ed Crick Ed Crick ... White Police Lieutenant
Tony Burton ... Black Policeman
See full cast »
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Storyline

An intimate look at life in the ghetto: Johnny Williams is a house painter who moonlights as a poet, struggling to financially and emotionally support his cancer-ridden wife Mattie. But times are tough and the poverty-troubled streets are even tougher, and it takes every ounce of Johnny's love and courage for the couple to make it through their strife, finding redemption in the River Niger. Written by Echo Bridge Home Entertainment

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

love | poet | house painter | ghetto | symbolism | See All (25) »

Taglines:

Some rivers can't be dammed...some people won't be broken.

Genres:

Drama

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

14 April 1976 (USA) See more »

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

River Niger Company,Asanti Productions Inc.,Gossett Enterprises See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

The Broadway production of "The River Niger" opened at the Brooks Atkinson Theater in New York City on March 27, 1973, and ran for one hundred sixty-two performances. Joseph A. Walker wrote the play and the screenplay for this filmed production. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Call Me Angel, Sir (1976) See more »

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User Reviews

james earl jones in the same role he always does
9 December 2004 | by AskewNerd – See all my reviews

This film was a definite "okay". It didn't have the impact that many films would have with such a topic. But, the general idea was there and that's what was so important. The vast difference between James Earl Jones being a drunk bum, to a philosophical poet speaking of something as beautiful as the Niger River. He was brilliant of course. Not as well as "Finder's Fee", but that really can't be beat. Big nods to the other actors and writers trying their hardest to make a serious film during the famous black exploitation era. You have to appreciate that aspect of the film. Krishan Shan does deserve credit but, not fantastic.........................................the end
4 of 11 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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