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 ...
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Title: The River Niger (1976)
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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 | ... | Al |
| Teddy Wilson | ... | Chips | |
| Charles Weldon | ... | Skeeter | |
| Shirley Jo Finney | ... | Gail | |
|
|
Hilda Haynes | ... | Wilhelmina Geneva Brown |
| Zakes Mokae | |||
|
|
Ed Crick | ... | White Police Lieutenant |
| Tony Burton | ... | Black Policeman | |
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Plot Summary
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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
Taglines:
Some rivers can't be dammed...some people won't be broken.Genres:
DramaParents Guide:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
14 April 1976 (USA) See more »Filming Locations:
Los Angeles, California, USACompany Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
DolbyColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Niger is the principal river of Sub-Saharan Western Africa as well as one of the biggest countries in the west part of Saharan Africa that got its name after the river. It's also the title of the main character Johnny Williams' symbolic poem about the river. See more »Frequently Asked Questions
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This is a must see film.This movie is poetry in itself. Thumbs up to this work!!! The unconditional love between Tyson's character and Jones' character exuded the power of 'Black Love'. The very fact that through out the entire movie, you were constantly reminded of God's power and creativity, was captivating, especially the poetry. Turman's character's awakening to the sleeping giant within, to fight the oppressive system that has held back the African American race for generations, decision to fight back with intelligence instead of violence was a move in the right direction to solid change. Violence is only a temporary solution to a life long problem. To not spoil the end, Jones' character, what can I say, selfless hero! This movie should be viewed by all young African American men and women. This will remain a classic!