B*A*P*S (1997)

Two tacky homegirls move to L.A. to become dancers; instead they scam a dying millionaire but eventually become B*A*P*S (Black American Princesses).

Director:

Robert Townsend

Writer:

Troy Byer (as Troy Beyer)

Stars:

Halle Berry, Natalie Desselle Reid, Martin Landau

2 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Halle Berry	...	Nisi
Martin Landau	...	Mr. Donald Blakemore
Ian Richardson	...	Manley
Natalie Desselle Reid	...	Mickey (as Natalie Desselle)
Troy Byer	...	Tracy Shaw (as Troy Beyer)
Luigi Amodeo	...	Antonio
Jonathan Fried	...	Isaac
Pierre Edwards	...	Ali (as Pierre)
Anthony Johnson	...	James (as A.J. Johnson)
Bernie Mac	...	Mr. Johnson
Darrel Heath	...	Terrance
Vincent Cook	...	Z.Z.
Faizon Love	...	Tiger J
Rudy Ray Moore	...	Nate
Darrow Igus	...	Bartender

Storyline

Nisi and Mickey are girlfriends who work as waitresses. To get the necessary money for opening their dream restaurant they fly to California to audition for a music video. There Nisi is asked by the nephew of Mr.Blakemore's (who is video director) to act for a week as granddaughter of Lily, Mr.Blakemores one true love, whom he lost long ago and couldn't pursue because she was his family's housekeeper. They revive Blakemore's interest for life, and he teaches them to be "Black American Princesses" in return.

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Plot Keywords:

neo screwball comedy | restaurant | millionaire | nephew | bikini | 

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Taglines:

These Pretty Women... Are Clueless!

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Genres:

Comedy

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for brief strong language

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English Italian

Release Date:

28 March 1997 (USA)

Also Known As:

B.A.P.S.

Filming Locations:

Bel Air, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,742,679, 30 March 1997, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$7,240,837, 30 May 1997

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Island Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min 92 min (Encore print)

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Actress Troy Byer, who also wrote the film's screenplay, was disappointed by the film's final product.

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Goofs

The position of the toilet seat changes.

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Quotes

Isaac: I'm calling the police. You two have been stealing - from my uncle.
Manley: No... The girls had nothing to do with it.
[looks at Antonio]
Manley: It was Antonio.
Isaac: Antonio...
Antonio: Isaac, our plan could still work! It could be our words against theirs. Her fingerprints are still on the safe, man!
Isaac: I don't know what you're talking about! What plan? I'm calling the police...

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Connections

Referenced in At the Movies: Catwoman/Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle/Donnie Darko: The Director's Cut (2004)

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Soundtracks

A Fifth of Beethoven
(1976)
Written by Walter Murphy & Ludwig van Beethoven
Performed by 88/X Unit

User Reviews

Artists Choices

I totally disagree with the comment made about this film and it's stars (See: What was Robert Townsend Thinking??).

Has it occurred to you that the Actors get to see the script before they perform it? If Halle Berry wants to make a film such as B.A.P.S., more power to her.