Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

An actor limited to stereotypical roles because of his ethnicity, dreams of making it big as a highly respected performer. As he makes his rounds, the film takes a satiric look at African American actors in Hollywood.

Director:

Robert Townsend

Writers:

Robert Townsend, Keenen Ivory Wayans

Stars:

Robert Townsend, Craigus R. Johnson, Helen Martin

4 wins & 3 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Townsend	...	Bobby Taylor / Jasper / Speed / Sam Ace / Rambro
Craigus R. Johnson	...	Stevie Taylor
Helen Martin	...	Bobby's Grandmother
Starletta DuPois	...	Bobby's Mother
Marc Figueroa	...	Sitcom Father / Client #2
Sarah Kaite Coughlan	...	Sitcom Girlfriend / Rehearsing Actress (as Sarah Kate Coughlin)
Sean Michal Flynn	...	Sitcom Boyfriend
Brad Sanders	...	Batty Boy
David McKnight	...	Uncle Ray
Keenen Ivory Wayans	...	Donald / Jheri Curl
Lou B. Washington	...	Tiny (as Ludie Washington)
Anne-Marie Johnson	...	Lydia / Willie Mae / Hooker #5
Don Reed	...	Maurice
Kim Wayans	...	Customer in Chair
Gregory 'Popeye' Alexander	...	Pimp / Eddie Murphy-Type

Storyline

Bobby Taylor wants to be a respected actor. From Sam Spade to Shakespeare to superheros, he can do it all. He just has to convince Hollywood that gangstas, slaves and "Eddie Murphy-types" aren't the sum of his talents.

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Plot Keywords:

actor | dream | african american | written and directed by cast member | two word title | 

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Taglines:

Bobby Taylor was on his way to becoming a star, when a funny thing happened.....

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Genres:

Comedy

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Certificate:

R

Did You Know?

Trivia

Jeremy Saulnier included this film in a list of films that inspired him to become a filmmaker.

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Goofs

When the casting directors say they want the lead actor to act like Eddie Murphy, some of the shots are reversed.

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Quotes

Speed: Welcome to Sneakin' In The Movies. My name is Speed and this is my homeboy Tyrone. And we are like movie critics and shit
Tyrone: Well not really. Peep this. Each week me and my boy, you know, we go to different theaters and stuff and sneak in and check out the movie.
Speed: Then we come back and tell you all what's up. Like if you should pay money and shit.

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Connections

References Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987)

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Soundtracks

Rags to Riches
Sung by Gregory 'Popeye' Alexander (as Gregory Alexander)
Written by Gregory 'Popeye' Alexander (as Gregory Alexander) & James Hopkins
Publisher Universe Communications

User Reviews

Dead-on parody of Hollywood

This is a great movie. It is absolutely hilarious, and it easily represents R. Townshend's best work. In fact, it's far, far better than anything else he's ever done, which is remarkable considering the film's tiny budget.

The humor is biting and relevant. The movie is highly recommended.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 March 1987 (USA)

Also Known As:

Robert Townsend's Hollywood Shuffle

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$100,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$95,667, 22 March 1987

Gross USA:

$5,228,617

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$5,228,617

Company Credits

Production Co:

Conquering Unicorn

Technical Specs

Runtime:

78 min 81 min (Ontario)

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1