02/20/2025
The Mack (1973) is an American blaxploitation crime drama film directed by Michael Campus, starring Max Julien and Richard Pryor. The film also features Oscar-nominee Juanita Moore and Tony-nominated actor Dick Anthony Williams. Filmed in Oakland, California, it tells the story of Goldie, who returns from a five-year prison sentence and decides to become the city's biggest pimp, contrasting with his brother's Black Nationalist activism.🖤👑🎬🎥
Initially receiving unfavorable reviews, The Mack has since been recognized as a significant entry in the blaxploitation genre. However, director Michael Campus and star Max Julien argue that this label oversimplifies the film. The soundtrack was recorded by Motown artist Willie Hutch.
Summary:
John Goldie Mickens returns to Oakland with plans to gain money and power as a pimp. His brother Olinga, involved in Black Nationalism, disapproves. Goldie, with the help of his partner Slim and head pr******te Lulu, rises to prominence. This success attracts the attention of he**in kingpin Fat Man and corrupt detectives Hank and Jed. Refusing to work for Fat Man and ignoring the detectives' demands, Goldie faces retaliation leading to his mother's death. Despite Olinga's disappointment, he helps Goldie seek revenge. Their plan falters when Hank and Jed kill Slim and reveal their role in Goldie's mother's death, prompting Goldie and Olinga to kill them. Betrayed by one of his pr******tes, Goldie decides to leave Oakland, bidding farewell to his brother and leaving town on a charter bus.
Cast:
Max Julien as John Goldie Mickens
Richard Pryor as Slim
Juanita Moore as Mrs. Mickens
Carol Speed as Lulu
Roger E. Mosley as Olinga Mickens
Dick Anthony Williams as Tony Pretty Tony
Don Gordon as Hank
William Watson as Jed
George Murdock as Fatman
Paul Harris as Blind Man
Kai Hernandez as Chico
Annazette Chase as China Doll
Junero Jennings as Bob Baltimore Bob
Lee Duncan as Sergeant Duncan
Sandra Brown as Diane
Christopher Brooks as Jesus Christ
Fritz Ford as Desk Sergeant
Norma McClure as Big Woman
David Mauro as David Laughing David
June Wilkinson as (uncredited)
