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Minstrel Man

  • TV Movie
  • 1977
  • 1h 40m
IMDb RATING
8.4/10
85
YOUR RATING
Minstrel Man (1977)
DramaMusic

During the early 1900's, 2 black brothers who work in a traveling minstrel have different goals; one's determined to succeed in a field which is dominated by white performers in blackface, w... Read allDuring the early 1900's, 2 black brothers who work in a traveling minstrel have different goals; one's determined to succeed in a field which is dominated by white performers in blackface, whilst the other is a composer, fighting to break away from the stereotypes associated with... Read allDuring the early 1900's, 2 black brothers who work in a traveling minstrel have different goals; one's determined to succeed in a field which is dominated by white performers in blackface, whilst the other is a composer, fighting to break away from the stereotypes associated with black minstrel performers.

  • Director
    • William A. Graham
  • Writers
    • Esther Shapiro
    • Richard Alan Shapiro
  • Stars
    • Glynn Turman
    • Ted Ross
    • Stanley Bennett Clay
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    8.4/10
    85
    YOUR RATING
    • Director
      • William A. Graham
    • Writers
      • Esther Shapiro
      • Richard Alan Shapiro
    • Stars
      • Glynn Turman
      • Ted Ross
      • Stanley Bennett Clay
    • 11User reviews
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Nominated for 3 Primetime Emmys
      • 3 nominations total

    Photos2

    View Poster
    View Poster

    Top Cast19

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    Glynn Turman
    Glynn Turman
    • Harry Brown Jr.
    Ted Ross
    Ted Ross
    • Charlie Bates
    Stanley Bennett Clay
    Stanley Bennett Clay
    • Rennie Brown
    • (as Stanley Clay)
    S. Pearl Sharp
    • Jessamine
    • (as Saundra Sharp)
    Art Evans
    Art Evans
    • Tambo
    Gene Bell
    • Harry Brown Sr.…
    Earl Billings
    Earl Billings
    • George
    Anthony Amos
    • Young Harry Jr.
    Amechi Uzodinma
    • Young Rennie
    Arthur Rooks
    • Robert
    Carol Sutton
    • Tess
    Wilbur Swartz
    • Tobias Finch
    Robert Earle
    • Oliver Turpin
    Don Lutenbacher
    • Carmichael
    Bill Holliday
    • Pitchman
    • (as Billy Holliday)
    Robert Harper
    • Fair Manager
    • (as Robert L. Harper)
    Millford Fortenberry
    • Prison Guard
    • (uncredited)
    Deonna Lang
      • Director
        • William A. Graham
      • Writers
        • Esther Shapiro
        • Richard Alan Shapiro
      • All cast & crew
      • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

      User reviews11

      8.485
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      Featured reviews

      9merrywood

      Extraordinary: A Rare Television Movie

      This is one of those amazing documents that seem to have been created directly by Providence, surely, everything came together here in a sad, funny, joyous, yet tragic film loaded with some of the most wonderful actors, dancers and singers we have ever seen on screens of any size.

      We wonder, for example, what in the world happened to the talented Glynn Turman, who stars in this great piece of film art.

      The other amazing thing is how this film, this wonderful production, so obviously made by experts in film art could have possibly disappeared. I have looked for it on video for a decade now and thus far have not seen it. Surely there is room also, for greatness in the market place. God knows we have enough junk available everywhere.

      This film will bring shame to anyone who ever even had a fleeting thought of prejudice toward another human being because his or her complexion was a different tone. However, it does more than that. It entertains and while doing that, shows us the raw nature of pure courage.
      bterry-1

      Why is this film unavailable to the public?

      For more than two decades, I have searched for my favorite movie, The Minstrel Man (1977), to be either televised or made available for purchase. An excellent performance was done by the cast of this film. This is a "heart-gripping" movie, that defines the inhumanity and positive evils of racism. This film exhibits Black Americans, as working, inventive, compassionate and creative human beings through horrific adversities, and yet they defy to totally release their integrity.

      The Entertainment Industry has the audacity to act insulted by acusations like, "it is directly or indirectly at fault for creating and perpetuating monsters in the world". You are surely mentors of today's media. This is a small opportunity to right a big wrong.

      I guess I answered my Summary?!
      10romero_vincent

      Now you can watch it

      As of 2019, this movie is available to see on YouTube, but you're going to need head phones cause the sound is very low
      iwishirish-1

      The loss of "Minstrel Man" & other equally great films.

      I've heard that Bill Cosby has bought up many films that he considers to have cast a demeaning light upon many of our great African-American performers, such as old favorites like the TV "Amos & Andy" shows and other great African-American productions. Sadly, he is doing a great injustice to the people whom he is attempting to protect, as he is depriving them the recognition that they so richly deserve and at the same time depriving the viewing public its opportunity of viewing enjoyment, for which those productions were purposefully made. I fear that the 1977 TV movie, "Minstrel Man" has been confiscated into the collection of Mr.Cosby, much to the detrimental void he has created for the rest of us. If I am wrong - then to where has it disappeared?

      Anonymous
      9mengel44

      A lost gem.

      Where, oh where, can I find this film? I saw it long ago on TV--it was a tremendously moving, thoughtful, and painfully honest drama about race relations during the period it portrays. Beautifully acted and absolutely authentic in spirit. But it seems to have vanished forever.

      More like this

      Beloved
      6.1
      Beloved

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      Drama
      Prince and Apollonia Kotero in Purple Rain (1984)
      Music

      Storyline

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      Did you know

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      • Trivia
        It wss filmed in Carroll County, Miss.

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      Details

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      • Release date
        • March 2, 1977 (United States)
      • Country of origin
        • United States
      • Language
        • English
      • Production companies
        • First Artists
        • Roger Gimbel Productions
        • Tomorrow Entertainment
      • See more company credits at IMDbPro

      Tech specs

      Edit
      • Runtime
        • 1h 40m(100 min)
      • Color
        • Color
      • Sound mix
        • Mono
      • Aspect ratio
        • 1.33 : 1

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