Original idea by Ishmael Reed. Title from sell sheet. Verta Mae Grosvenor, Walter Cotton, Sam Waymon, Bill Gunn, Thommie Blackwel, Kip Hanrahan. Originally released as a motion picture in 1981. Special features: previously unseen preliminary version, directed by Bill Gunn in 1979 (39 min.); deleted and extended scenes; original six-part radio drama (1977); interviews; "Improvisation jamming," an essay by Nicholas Forster on the production and release of the film; Q&A footage from the restoration premiere (2018); theatrical trailer.
Summary:
The extraordinary, rough-edged ensemble piece explores black working-class lives with candor and emotional intensity and features a who's who of important artists.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.