6.8/10
158
4 user 1 critic

Heat Wave (1990)

R | | Drama, History | TV Movie 13 August 1990
Heat Wave Poster
The events that led to the 1965's racial riots in Watts, Los Angeles, are covered by a black messenger-turned-reporter at the L.A. Times, as he was one of the first correspondents to arrive... See full summary »

Director:

Kevin Hooks

Writer:

Michael Lazarou

Stars:

Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, James Earl Jones | See full cast & crew »
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Won 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 5 wins & 2 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Cicely Tyson ... Ruthana Richardson
Blair Underwood ... Bob Richardson
James Earl Jones ... Junius Johnson
Margaret Avery ... Roxie Turpin
David Strathairn ... Bill Thomas
Glenn Plummer ... J.T. Turpin
Vondie Curtis-Hall ... Clifford Turpin
Paris Vaughan ... Lada
Harold Pruett Harold Pruett ... John Riggs
Adam Arkin ... Art Berman
Robert Hooks ... Reverend Brooks
Michael Greene ... Mr. Canfield
Charlie Korsmo ... Jason (age 12)
Sally Kirkland ... Mrs. Canfield
T.E. Russell ... Dominique Freeman
See full cast »
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Storyline

The events that led to the 1965's racial riots in Watts, Los Angeles, are covered by a black messenger-turned-reporter at the L.A. Times, as he was one of the first correspondents to arrive at the scene. The movie also follows the troubled times he, his family and friends went through in one of the most tense and sad moments in American history. Written by Rodrigo Amaro

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Plot Keywords:

riot | archive footage | structural racism | racism | year 1965 | See All (14) »

Genres:

Drama | History

Certificate:

R | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

Add content advisory for parents »
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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 August 1990 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Conflito em Los Angeles See more »

Filming Locations:

Beverly Hills, California, USA See more »

Company Credits

Production Co:

Avnet/Kerner Productions, Propaganda Films See more »
Show more on IMDbPro »

Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1
See full technical specs »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

In two scenes Bob Richardson mentions that he's an admirer of famous journalist Edward R. Murrow in order to impress his future employers at the Los Angeles Times. The newspaper chief editor is played by David Strathairn, who played Murrow in Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005). See more »

Quotes

Bob Richardson: He loved you.
See more »

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User Reviews

 
True story of black L.A. Times messenger who volunteers to cover the 1965 Watts Uprising when the paper's all-white reporting staff are unable to safely cover the event. The messenger and the Times go on to
20 February 1999 | by MLaz – See all my reviews

Should be required viewing for anyone interested in America's racial issues past and present as well as the journalists who cover them. This film was a tear-jerker at times, bitingly funny at others. It was always enlightening. Definitely gets a thumbs up.
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.  Was this review helpful to you? | Report this
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