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

Ali: Nisi, I don't know if you want to stay here, or go home. All I know is that I've had one dream and one dream only since high school. And that's... that's to be with you.

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Connections

References Good Times (1974)

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Soundtracks

The Water Music - 'Air'
(1717)
Written by George Frideric Handel (as Handel)
Performed by John Butler with the City of London Sinfonia
Courtesy of Bomba Music Service

User Reviews

I'm glad at least some people respect this film!

I thought I was the only one who loved this film. It has everything! The groove, passion, soul food, a butler in a penguin suit, fashion, e.t.c. I'm so sad that this isn't on DVD, because I only buy DVD's. But this film is still one of my favorites. **** out of ****