Uptight

I too saw this movie when it first came out. I was in college and involved in the student movement for more multi-cultural curriculum on campus. The movie was right on target and sensationally provocative at the time. At the end of the movie, just when you think there will be a political cop out in the story line, you're mistaken. The movie follows through on its no holds barred depiction of African American life in the USA at the time. It also depicts accurately how the 'black power' movement was resonating very powerfully in the countries urban ghettos. It is a terrific movie with a fabulous cast.A few years after seeing the movie I became very friendly with one of its stars, Raymond St. Jacques, he told me that "nobody could find a copy of the movie, not even Jules Dassin", it director. Many people felt that the movie industry and "gov't" had moved to squelch the showing of this film. It is curious that no one seems to be able to find a print of this film. Finally the sound track is amazing. Booker T of the MGs created just the right propulsive tension to capture the story's essence. I still listen to the sound track because the songs have such a great groove.

...this was actually a great movie...it was made during a tumultuous time in urban black America and it reflected the conflict...outstanding performances from max julien (don't want to even HEAR about the mack) this was a real blood and soul performance..raymond st. Jacques, ruby dee, dick williams, frank silvera, roscoe lee brown...this was a tremendous movie with a heart and soul you just don't see...if you ever, EVER, get a chance to see this....do it. There would not be many movies that combined intelligence and substance for numerous black actors and actresses in the same setting. Way ahead of it's time. These folks were truly inspired, hats off to the director (Jules Dassen) for creating a lasting work..

I recall seeing Uptight when it came out. I was in high school. This was promoted very much like the Blaxploitation movies of the period, but it had much more substance and message. The plot line taken from the John Ford movie the Informer, adapts well to the political climate of the sixties for inner city African Americans. The cast was exceptional. Many like Ruby Dee, Raymond St. Jacques and Dick Anthony Williams came out of theater. These talents were important for this piece, as the movie is driven more by the the drama and conflict than action scenes. I was taken with the movie but I know that much of the nuance was lost on me because of my age at the time. I'd love to see it again. I believe that if it were found, a revival would have much appeal.

I was very impressed by this film and am glad it was finally released on DVD. It is still relevant in 2021 and has even deeper meaning given how little has changed since 1968. It would make a great double bill with the recent film Judas and the Black Messiah. Similar themes but with significant differences.

I hope this film becomes more well-known. It truly deserves attention by everyone interested in civil rights and the political conflict between people who want to be non-violent and the people who are willing to use weapons. In the middle are people who just need some money to live day to day and get basic needs met.

One thing about me and my love of movies is that I very rarely prefer remakes. However, this movie is an exception--a film far superior than the original. Now that might surprise you, as Victor McLaglen received the Oscar for Best Actor AND the great John Ford the Oscar for Best Director. Yet, I STILL liked the remake better. Much of it is that "The Informer" has not aged well and is dated. In particular, McLaglen's performance seems over-the-top--very, very unsubtle indeed. Also, while it's hard to imagine someone making a film better than John Ford, it's not as surprising when you learn that it's Jules Dassin--one of the best film directors of the 20th century but whose career was severely affected by the Red Scare--when he was forced to move to Europe and managed to STILL keep making great films.

Dassin decided to remake the story and set it in black America--in 1968. The film was VERY timely, and is set just after the murder of Martin Luther King--a time when black men and women were understandably talking about revolution. While the term 'Black Panthers' was never used in the film, clearly the film is intended to be about them...and their weakest link, a sad and worthless individual named Tank. Also, since time had past since Dassin's exodus from Hollywood, he was now able to return to the States to make a film and this one was made in Cleveland. This locale was great--adding to the realism. In addition, while most of the actors are unknowns (apart from folks like Roscoe Lee Browne and Ruby Dee), they did a great job--and Dassin got the most from them. Overall, a very hard-hitting and enjoyable film--and a nice update to the original.