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

Just right before Bobby gets the call for a callback, the car in the shot outside was preparing to reverse out to the street. The shot looks like a leftover shot used for the intro sequence.

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Quotes

Bobby Taylor: I wish Tiny *would* bring his big fat ass out here... Tiny! I'm going to make it up to you, I'm going to be a star.
Tiny: No, you're gonna be *seein* stars!

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Connections

Spoofed in That Hollywood Hustle

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Soundtracks

Not Just One in a Million
(Bobby's Theme)
Sung by Patrice Rushen
Music by Patrice Rushen
Lyrics by Patrice Rushen and Sheree Brown

User Reviews

Brilliant Satire.

As a black man and a longtime movie fan, it angered and frustrated me as to how blacks were stereotyped and exploited in Hollywood over the years. This was especially true during the first half of the 80's when I saw talented actor like Larry Fishburne play a hoodlum in DEATH WISH 2, Wesley Snipe play a hoodlum in WILDCATS and Mario Van Peebles play a hoodlum in EXTERMINATOR 2. Of course they've gone on to bigger, and totally unexpected, better things. That's why this satire hit a nerve with me. The one scene that sticks in my mind are the audition scenes where blacks audition for demeaning roles casted by clueless white producers and directors trying to tell blacks to act the way they think blacks should act (ain't that a blip!) and looking for an "Eddie Murphy type". The script, co-written by Townsend and co-star Keenen Ivory Wayans is accurate and on the money. While Wayans has sone on to better things (IN LIVING COLOR, I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA and SCARY MOVIE), Townsend has not been so fortunate (The uneven THE FIVE HEARTBEATS, The lame TV sit-com THE PARENT 'HOOD and the godawful B.A.P.S.). The film also features Helen Martin, Damon Wayans, Anne-Marie Johnson and John Witherspoon. If you a fan of on-target satires, I strongly recommend this movie.

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