Ask Kirk Lockhart about Black Cinema History

08/10/2025

Boss Ni**er: a blaxploitation Western from the 70s
"Boss Ni**er" is a 1975 American Western film that blends elements of the Western genre with blaxploitation film characteristics. The film was directed by Jack Arnold and stars Fred Williamson, who also wrote the screenplay and served as a producer.
Here's a breakdown of the movie:
Plot summary
The story revolves around two Black bounty hunters, Boss (Fred Williamson) and Amos (D'Urville Martin), who are on the trail of a fugitive outlaw, Jed Clayton (William Smith). They arrive in a small Western town, San Miguel, only to find it doesn't have a sheriff. Boss decides to take on the role of sheriff, much to the chagrin of the predominantly White townsfolk, including the corrupt Mayor Griffin (R.G. Armstrong), who is secretly in cahoots with Jed Clayton. Boss and Amos then proceed to clean up crime in the town, defend the poor, and navigate the racial tensions of the era.
Themes
Race and Racism: The film tackles racial prejudice and stereotypes prevalent in the Old West, with the Black protagonists challenging the established racial hierarchy by taking charge of a predominantly White town.
Empowerment: "Boss Ni**er" portrays Black characters in positions of authority and heroism, offering a sense of empowerment for Black audiences during the height of the Black Power Movement.
Social Commentary: The movie uses its blend of Western and blaxploitation elements to comment on the social struggles of Black Americans in the post-slavery era, connecting them to the 1970s and the ongoing fight for civil rights.
Production notes
Low Budget, High Impact: Despite its low budget of $200,000, according to Wikipedia, the film is noted for its competent cinematography and staging, thanks to the experienced direction of Jack Arnold.
Controversial Title: The film's original title, "Boss Ni**er," is a product of its era and has since been modified to simply "Boss" for later releases due to its offensive nature.
Connection to Blazing Saddles: Some reviewers suggest that the film can be seen as an even bolder response to Mel Brooks' "Blazing Saddles", which also featured a Black sheriff in a Western setting.
Cult Status: Despite its flaws, including a sometimes cliché and one-dimensional storyline, the film has gained a cult following for its entertaining blend of action, comedy, and social commentary.
In essence, "Boss Ni**er" is a unique and impactful blaxploitation Western that, despite its limitations and controversial title, offers a compelling narrative exploring racial dynamics and empowerment within the classic Western genre. Regarding its box office performance:
The film garnered a decent gross of $3 million.
Its budget was reportedly around $200,000 or $250,000.
This suggests that the film was commercially successful, generating significantly more than its production costs.
While specific box office rankings aren't readily available, the film's financial performance highlights the market for blaxploitation films in the 1970s.

https://www.daaracarchive.org/2008/12/boss-nigger-1975.htmlBoss (Fred Williamson), has "decided to hunt white folks for a change," by becoming a bounty hunte...

08/10/2025

Fred “the Hammer” Williamson, a cocky ex-NFL player with a taste for ci**rs and fancy clothes. His journey to movie stardom involved bold moves.

Fred Williamson shares stories from his performances in ‘Black Caesar,’ ‘'M*A*S*H’ and ‘From Dusk Till Dawn' in this conversation about his acting career mod...

08/10/2025

🎥🎬
Calvin Lockhart - Biography - IMDb
Calvin Lockhart was a Bahamian-American actor known for his roles in stage, film, and television, particularly in the 1970s blaxploitation genre. He began his career on Broadway, later finding greater opportunities in Europe before returning to the US with a stronger resume.
Early Life and Career:
Born in Nassau, Bahamas, Lockhart moved to New York as a teenager to study engineering but left to pursue acting.
He made his Broadway debut in 1960 in "The Cool World".
Seeking more opportunities, he moved to Europe, forming his own theater company in Italy and acting/directing there, before moving to Germany and then England.
In England, he appeared in British television and films like "A Dandy in Aspic" and "Salt and Pepper".
Breakthrough in the US:
Lockhart's return to the US saw him cast in notable roles, including a slick preacher in "Cotton Comes to Harlem" and an English teacher in "Halls of Anger".
He became a recognizable figure in blaxploitation films, appearing in "Melinda," "Honeybaby, Honeybaby," and as Biggie Smalls in "Let's Do It Again".
Sidney Poitier cast him in "Uptown Saturday Night" and "Let's Do It Again".
He also appeared in the controversial film "Myra Breckinridge".
Later Career and Legacy:
Lockhart later worked as a director for the Freeport Players Guild in the Bahamas.
He had roles in "Coming to America" and "Predator 2".
Lockhart's last film role was in "Rain," shot in the Bahamas.
He was known for his charisma, intelligence, and versatility as an actor.
A scholarship fund has been established in his name for Bahamian students interested in acting and filmmaking
Business Feed Hollywood

Lockhart was quintessential Blaxploitation Bro who had it all: the looks, the swagger and the voi...

08/10/2025

Martin Lawrence began his career in stand-up comedy, drawing inspiration from Richard Pryor. He transitioned from boxing to comedy after an eye injury, performing in nightclubs and eventually gaining recognition at The Improv in New York. His early career included appearances on "Star Search" and a role on the sitcom "What's Happening Now!!". He gained further recognition in films like "House Party" and "Do the Right Thing," and co-starred with Eddie Murphy in "Boomerang". Lawrence also hosted "Def Comedy Jam" before achieving major success with the television show "Martin," which ran from 1992 to 1997.

Martin Lawrence, born on April 16, 1965, is a legendary comedian, actor, and producer who became one of the defining voices of comedy in the 1990s. Known for...

08/10/2025

:
Donald Writes No More
Donald Goines was an American author known for his raw, unflinching portrayals of Black urban life, often focusing on crime, drugs, and violence. He drew heavily on his own experiences with addiction, crime, and imprisonment to craft his novels. Goines published 16 novels under his own name and five under the pseudonym Al C. Clark, achieving significant success, particularly within the black, urban readership of his time.
Early Life and Criminal Career:
Born in Detroit in 1937, Goines came from a stable, middle-class family, but was drawn to the streets from a young age.
He enlisted in the Air Force at 17, but spent time in prison for various offenses.
Goines's experiences with drug addiction, pimping, and other criminal activities heavily influenced his writing.
Literary Career:
Inspired by Iceberg Slim, Goines began writing during his prison sentence.
He secured a publishing deal with Holloway House, which released his first novel, Whoreson, in 1969.
Goines wrote prolifically, publishing 16 novels between 1969 and 1974, often under tight deadlines.
His novels, such as Dopefiend, Black Gangster, and Daddy Cool, gained a large following for their gritty realism, though they were often excluded from mainstream bookstores and libraries.
He wrote the Kenyatta series (as Al C. Clark) which featured a militant black organization aimed at fighting crime.
Legacy:
Goines's work is considered a significant contribution to urban fiction and street literature, influencing later generations of writers and hip-hop artists.
He was tragically murdered in 1974 with his wife, in a still-unsolved case.
Despite his popularity, Goines's work has received limited scholarly attention, though recent studies and biographies are working to change that. 📖📚

Hello Bk Connectors. I hope U enjoy this latest Ab The Author segment. It’s been a while since I posted an episode.

08/10/2025

Richard Roundtree was an American actor best known for his iconic role as private detective John Shaft in the 1971 film Shaft and its sequels. He had a long and varied career, appearing in over 150 film and television projects, including Roots, Being Mary Jane, and Se7en. Roundtree also reprised his role as Shaft in a 2019 film alongside Samuel L. Jackson.
Early Life and Career:
Born in New Rochelle, New York, on July 9, 1942.
Excelled in football during high school, earning a scholarship to Southern Illinois University.
Left college to pursue acting, initially working as a model.
His breakthrough came at the age of 28 when he landed the lead role in Shaft.
Career Highlights:
Shaft (1971): The film's success launched Roundtree to stardom and helped revitalize the blaxploitation genre.
Shaft Sequels: Continued the character in Shaft's Big Score (1972) and Shaft in Africa (1973).
Roots (1977): Played a supporting role in the acclaimed television miniseries.
Se7en (1995): Appeared in the popular thriller, showcasing his versatility.
Recurring Roles: Notable roles in television series like Soul Food, Roc, Chicago Fire, Being Mary Jane, and Family Reunion.
2019 Shaft Reboot: Returned to the role that made him famous, starring alongside Samuel L. Jackson.
Beyond Acting:
Roundtree was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1993 and underwent a double mastectomy and chemotherapy, a battle he initially kept private.
He became an advocate for cancer awareness after going public with his experience.
Received a Peabody Award for his narration of the PBS documentary The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow.
Legacy:
Richard Roundtree is remembered as a pioneer in Hollywood, breaking barriers for Black actors in leading roles.
His portrayal of John Shaft left an indelible mark on popular culture.
He continued acting for over five decades, demonstrating his dedication to his craft.
Richard Roundtree passed away on October 24, 2023, at the age of 81, due to pancreatic cancer. RestInHeaven 🙏

Roundtree has given us one of the most memorable characters in cinema history, the Black private dick...

08/10/2025

The Best Name in Black Exploitation Genre : Thalmus Rasulala, born Jack Crowder, was an American actor known for his strong presence in both film and television, particularly during the 1970s and 80s. He appeared in numerous blaxploitation films and television shows, often playing strong, dignified characters. He also had a successful Broadway career, using his birth name, Jack Crowder, for stage roles. Rasulala died of a heart attack in 1991.
Early Life and Career:
Born in Miami, Florida, he initially used the name Jack Crowder.
He attended the University of Redlands and Shaw University.
He began his acting career on stage, including roles in off-Broadway productions and a Theater World Award for his performance in the all-black cast of "Hello, Dolly!" on Broadway.
Film Career:
Rasulala appeared in several blaxploitation films, including:
Blacula: (1972) as Dr. Gordon Thomas.
Cool Breeze: (1972), where he played the leader of a bank robbery gang.
Willie Dynamite: (1974).
New Jack City: (1991).
He also appeared in Mr. Ricco (1975) alongside Dean Martin.
His final film role was in Mom and Dad Save the World (1992), released posthumously.
Television Career:
Rasulala was an original cast member of the soap opera One Life to Live, playing Lt. Jack Neal.
He was known for his roles in:
Sanford and Son: as Skeeter Matthews.
What's Happening!!: as Bill Thomas, Raj and Dee's father.
Roots: as Omoro Kinte, Kunta Kinte's father.
The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman: as Ned.
He also made guest appearances on shows like The Jeffersons, Good Times, and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Legacy:
Thalmus Rasulala's performances, particularly in blaxploitation films and historical dramas like "Roots," helped shape the representation of Black actors in media.
He is remembered for his commanding presence, resonant voice, and ability to portray both strength and vulnerability in his characters.
His work continues to be celebrated by fans and remembered as a significant contribution to Black cinema and television. 📺

've probably seen him in a bunch of movies and/or TV shows and just never knew his name, but Thalmus...

08/10/2025

D'Urville first began acting in the 1960s including the elevator attendant in "Rosemary's Baby". D'Urville Martin was an actor, director and producer who was considered one of the hardest working men during the BlaxploitationEra

a host of Blaxploitation credits to his name, D'Urville Martin was one of the coolest cats in the gen...

08/10/2025

D'Urville Martin was an American actor and director known for his work in blaxploitation films of the 1970s. He appeared in numerous movies and also directed the film "Dolemite". Martin's career was cut short when he died of a heart attack in 1984 at the age of 45.
Early Life and Career:
Born in New York City on February 11, 1939.
Began his acting career in the mid-1960s.
Appeared in films like "Black Like Me" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner".
Played Lionel Jefferson in two unaired episodes of the "All in the Family" pilot.
Blaxploitation Era:
Became a prominent figure in blaxploitation films during the 1970s.
Often portrayed characters like pimps, hitmen, and drug dealers.
Collaborated with actor Fred Williamson, notably in the movie "Black Charley".
Directed "Dolemite," which became a popular and influential film in the genre.
His work in blaxploitation was sometimes controversial, facing criticism for stereotyping.
Directing and Legacy:
Directed the 1975 film "Dolemite" starring Rudy Ray Moore.
"Dolemite" is considered a classic example of the blaxploitation genre and is still referenced today.
He also directed the film "Disco 9000".
His film "The Human Tornado" is also listed on his directing credits.
D'Urville Martin's career was cut short by his untimely death from a heart attack at the age of 45 in 1984.

Top 10 Movies of D'Urville Martin Find the list of movies by D'Urville Martin you can find more information, movie trailers, posters, reviews, youtube links ...

08/08/2025

Spike Lee : Do The Right Thing 1989🎥
Do the Right Thing
R 1989 ‧ Comedy/Drama ‧ 2 hours

Overview
Cast
Awards
Trailers & clips
Reviews
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture 1989
Ruby Dee
NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture 1989
Ossie Davis
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Director 1989
Spike Lee
Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Film 1989

SUBSCRIBE • https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn2SR63vu_azF2rZqmMybpw*deep exhale* I love this damn film. it feels just as explosive as it did in 1989. (you k...

08/08/2025

1990 was the Year !
BedStuy
+P.E.
"Fight the Power" by Public Enemy was first released on the soundtrack for Spike Lee's film Do the Right Thing in 1989, with a full album version appearing in 1990 on Fear of a Black Planet.
In more detail:
The song was specifically created for the movie Do the Right Thing at the request of Spike Lee.
It was released in 1989 on the film's soundtrack, but a longer version was later included on Public Enemy's album, Fear of a Black Planet, which came out in 1990.
The song's lyrics and beat resonated deeply with audiences and became an anthem for social and political resistance, particularly within the African-American community.
Therefore, the single was primarily associated with and released to coincide with the film Do the Right Thing in the summer of 1989. filmed in the Bedford-Stuyvesant (Bed-Stuy) neighborhood of Brooklyn, specifically on Stuyvesant Avenue between Lexington and Quincy Streets. The movie was filmed on location, and the music video was shot on the same bloc

REMASTERED IN HD!Official Music Video for Fight The Power performed by Public Enemy.“Fight the Power” served as the theme for Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing ...

08/08/2025

The film Do the Right Thing has a large cast, including both well-known actors and others who were making their feature film debuts. Here's a list of the main cast members and their characters:
Spike Lee as Mookie
Danny Aiello as Sal
Ossie Davis as Da Mayor
Ruby Dee as Mother Sister
Richard Edson as Vito
Giancarlo Esposito as Buggin' Out
Bill Nunn as Radio Raheem
John Turturro as Pino
Roger Guenveur Smith as Smiley
Rosie Perez as Tina
Joie Lee as Jade
Steve White as Ahmad
Martin Lawrence as Cee
Leonard L. Thomas as Punchy
Christa Rivers as Ella
Robin Harris as Sweet Dick Willie
Paul Benjamin as ML
Frankie Faison as Coconut Sid
Samuel L. Jackson as Mister Señor Love Daddy
Steve Park as Sonny
Rick Aiello as Officer Gary Long
Miguel Sandoval as Officer Mark Ponte
Richard Parnell Habersham as Eddie Lovell
Luis Antonio Ramos as Stevie
Frank Vincent as Charlie
John Savage as CliftonThis list includes some of the prominent actors and their characters, but the film features a vibrant ensemble of supporting actors and cameos that contribute to the rich atmosphere of the Brooklyn neighborhood portrayed in the film.