Ninth Street (1999)

The inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays... See full summary »

Directors:

Tim Rebman, Kevin Willmott

Writers:

Kevin Willmott (play), Kevin Willmott (screenplay)

Stars:

Don Washington, Kevin Willmott, Nadine Griffith

Cast

Credited cast:
Don Washington	...	Bebo
Kevin Willmott	...	Huddie
Nadine Griffith	...	Carrie Mae
Byron Myrick	...	Love
Isaac Hayes	...	Tippytoe
Queen Bey	...	Mama Butler
Kaycee Moore	...	Pop-Bottle Ruby
Martin Sheen	...	Father Frank
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Reggie Banks	...	Bar Customer-Opening Scene
Elton C. Garner Jr.	...	Oklahoma City Shooter
Brian Paulette	...	Mechanic
Robert Sokol	...	Voiceover Artist (voice)
Debra Washington	...	Biscuit

Storyline

The inhabitants of a deteriorating section of 1968 Junction City, Kansas known as "Junk City" bemoan their existence and revel at the history of their neighborhood during its 1940's heydays when legendary jazz musicians regularly played its clubs. In 1968, the area has diminished to strip clubs and juke joints inhabited by Vietnam War draftees that pass through from nearby Fort Riley. Heads of the group include a wino who lost a leg in WWII, a taxi dispatcher, a saloon owner, and a crazed bag lady. The younger generation is represented by a young prostitute who is trying to get off the streets, but is forced to continue to work by a no-good boy friend and the need to feed her baby. Martin Sheen also appears as a white minister who prefers the people in the area over his own congregation.

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Plot Keywords:

based on play | independent film | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for language, a scene of sexuality and some violence

Did You Know?

Quotes

Tippytoe: Nothing lasts forever; even iron wears out.

User Reviews

It will make you laugh and make you cry

Very few movies today stick with you long after you've seen the film. This is one such movie. Kevin Willmott has brilliantly recreated a unique time and place in beautiful black and white film---Junction City, Kansas in the 1960's. Ninth Street in Junction City, Kansas had a notorious strip of black-owned businesses known as the Harlem of Kansas. G.I.'s at nearby Fort Riley flocked to Ninth Street for a good time---and talked about it as they travelled the world serving their country. But this movie isn't just about one Kansas town---it's about a whole host of hot button issues---the military industrial complex, the Vietnam War, Catholicism, evangelical Christianity, class warfare, and most of all---race issues. The movie is packed with symbolism and meaning, and those who "get it" will marvel at this film and won't soon forget about it.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

10 January 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Ninth Street

Company Credits

Production Co:

Hodcarrier Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

95 min

Color:

Black and White