20th Century Fox/MGM DVD Clearance Sale (series)

Cotton Comes to Harlem

Starring: Godfrey Cambridge & Raymond St. Jacques Director: Ossie Davis

DVD Features:

Audio:

• Dolby Digital - English
• Subtitles - English, Spanish - Optional

Additional Release Material:

• Theatrical Trailer

Description by OLDIES.com:

One of the most influential "Soul Cinema" pix ever to shoot onto the screen, Cotton Comes To Harlem spawned the blaxploitation boom by delivering a "refreshingly different detective action yarn with soul and humor" (Cue) and an unbeatable mix of "fast-paced adventure [and] comic lunacy" (Pacific Film Archive).

Detectives "Gravedigger" Jones (Godfrey Cambridge) and "Coffin" Ed Johnson (Raymond St. Jacques) are on the case and in everyone's face when they investigate Rev. Deke O'Malley (Calvin Lockhart) - a brother whose "Back To Africa" campaign is nothing more than a big scam for bigga' bucks. But when $87,000 of O'Malley's laundered cash gets stashed in a bail of cotton, Gravedigger and Coffin find they're not the only dudes suddenly interested in soaring cotton prices! Trailing the bale all over Harlem, the detectives come up against the mafia, the police, black militants and more in an all-out dash to nab $87,000 cash - and to "86" anyone who stands in their way!

Product Description:

The highly influential blaxploitation film COTTON COMES TO HARLEM spawned the beginning of the blaxploitation action boom in 1970 by delivering a refreshingly different detective action story utilizing humor, impactful drama, and most refreshingly, a lot of soul. This picture became a milestone in blaxploitation filmmaking and influenced many of its successors during this important decade in film history.

Two black cops in Harlem suspect a preacher's back-to-Africa campaign is a
swindle, and this leads to a host of adventures trail-blazed by fast, tough repartee. COTTON featured the relatively unknown actor Redd Foxx, as well as solid performances by Godfrey Cambridge, Raymond St. Jacques, and Calvin Lockhart. Based on the book by Chester Himes, the signature combination of fast-paced adventure, sheer comedy, and spectacular shootouts and chase scenes make this classic blaxploitation.

Plot Synopsis:

Ossie Davis made his directorial debut with this crime-actioner about two foolhardy Harlem detectives.
Grave Digger Jones and his partner Coffin Ed Johnson are trying to find $90,000 hidden inside a bale of cotton somewhere in Harlem. They haven't got much time before the cops recover the cash. But when Grave Digger and Coffin Ed finally discover the money's location, they'll realize they ain't nothin' but cotton picking fools.

Plot Keywords:

Action | Blaxploitation | Comedy | Cops | Scams And Cons | Theatrical Release

Production Notes:

• Theatrical release: May 27, 1970
• COTTON COMES TO HARLEM was followed by a sequel, COME BACK CHARLESTON BLUE (1972).

Cast and Crew: