Funky Friday-When it’s ok to get the Shaft!!! A triple dose of Richard Roundtree on Warner Archive Bluray ...
Tagline: Hotter than Bond!!! Cooler Than Bullitt!!!
Theme by Issac Hayes-
- ** Below-my take on not just the movie but on the mood created by the opening sequence and the surroundings where all the filming takes place as well as capturing the era-circa 1971 and the mood of New York. If I had been charged with writing a short description or intro to promote the film- say a possible narration for the trailer…it might go like this…
A funky, pumping, driving soundtrack by Issac Hayes. Capturing the feeling of New York and Harlem. He’s a bad muthaa-shut ya mouth….I’m just talkin about Shaft…!!! Richard Roundtree in a role that no one else could have brought to the screen .. the cool of cool and helping his brother man … Oscar nominated. Oscar winning … best song…This film has it all from the tone of the most iconic moments in the history -the opening scene as Shaft makes his way down the streets of Harlem to the frost in the air and the cool breathe that is truly visible from all passers by on screen. It was on a chilly morning as the ultimate private eye is heading to a normal day at the office- showcasing Issac Hayes incredible theme blaring with bombastic horns sets the mood for the first in a series of films and a short lived TV show with Richard reprising his role(the latter available on DVD from Warner Archive). Soundtrack available from Varese Sarabande(see below)
Below — Soulsville by Issac Hayes
This is it and it’s big, real big brother!!! Warner Archive is handing out the Shafts in a triplicate as in a triple feature of the complete original Shaft film series from the 70’s. Man he is “gonna get by and by”. All 3 of these films burned up the box-office upon there original release back in the day. Not bad for the up and coming wave of Black action or Blaxploitation films of the 70's.
- * Vintage 1971 ad for every pad should have …
What was on TV -
All are action packed and gritty portrayals of the urban settings especially the first Shaft (1971). Shaft and it’s impact could not have been something of now. But literally a statement of the times of the early ’70s. Something that has over the previous decades and still does stand the test of time. The film itself, directed by Gordon Parks Sr is a classic detective story with lots of action. But it is a thinking “mans” film. It is populated with the harsh realities of urban life. One scene has Shaft offering a little kid shivering from the crisp, cold nighttime air a dollar to grab himself something to eat.
Above-see the opening of Shaft and then check my comments below…
Gordon Parks uses every bit of the character and surroundings of New York. I love this. He does so right from the beginning. The film opens with Times Square in the backdrop. The the camera pans down as we glide along 42nd Street and it’s wide expanse the many marquees offering the various forms of entertainment choices . It is truly amazing the number of movie theaters that existed just in this one area. As we continue down 42nd the camera pulls back from the sidewalks of the city . we pass a couple of more neon lit signs as the main title credit looms up from the sidewalk. Shaft!!! And then we are treated to first piece of music- the theme. All the movement is cued to the music so beautifully. right down the the very first glimpse a cat called Shaft. The main “dude” of our story. Especially as he is introduced on screen ascending up from a subway entrance/exit is revealed. .
As Shaft continues his walk to his office we are introduced to the people in his everyday life. This is Including everyone from the guy at the corner newsstand to the Hot Roasted Chestnut wagon (um umm)to where he gets a shoeshine and the doorman at the building where he has his office. All are important. They are not just his friends but they are his ears & eyes on the street.
I think just from what I have described above shows what a wonderful storyteller Gordon Parks is. Shaft immediately grabs and immerses the cinema-goer everything that is unfolding on the screen. It never lets up. From Shaft’s encounter in his office with two Bunpys’ foot-soldiers to his & friend Ben Bufords’ narrow escape with an ambush styled execution to the high octane ending involving everything including a rope drop down the side of 8 story building in the night with machine gun in hand…you will not want to take your eyes off the action as John Shaft takes on the mob to foil a kidnapping all in the middle of Harlem…
The character and story of Shaft was based on material including a novel created by Ernest Tidyman(The French Connection). The move to adapt Tidymans novel for the cinema was a bold move. Up to now-1970–71 there had not been films with a prominent black cast. But it worked. Worked so well that it brought a change to the box-office and a statement that the movie going audience were ready for a black oriented story line and supporting black actors. Voting with their dollars. It also produced two sequels and a slew of Black Action films.
I highly recommend Warner Archives Bluray with all three of the original Shaft films. Presented in Bluray for the first time and remastered with all featuring incredible scores and songs .. from 3 of the best composers and songwriters of the 1970’s. With a breakout performance by Richard Roundtree, it’s hard to imagine anyone else in that role. Loaded with extras and bonus material with a documentary and behind the scenes of the legendary recording of the soundtrack session. Hear “Are you Man Enough” from Shaft in Africa and
Above -instrumental version of Blowin Your Mind-Shaft’s Big Score
see an edge of your seat chase via car,boat and helicopter as the mafia closes in on Shaft. In Shaft’s Big Score(this one opens with a “bang”… literally). So what are you waiting for :
get out your leather jacket and get your funk on….🎥🎥🎥🎥🎥
**Shaft is one of those films that belongs up on the big screen. This a larger than life hero and a film that presents itself so…now imagine having a live score performance(Burnt Sugar & The Arkestra Chamber)which would result in the ultimate blend of film and music. Something like this presents itself as a not to be missed experience.!!! Well Warner Bros and Warner Archive gave some lucky fans this opportunity. A special presentation at Apollo Theater, Harlem, New York…last February 29th, 2020. Hopefully when things return to a “normal” we will have that opportunity again.
- Below- a clip that is both fun and entertaining moment in it’s dialog and a build to an intense, thrilling moment…
But for now you get to relive all those action packed moments when Shaft does his thing anytime you want in the comforts of your own home… because in the first 2 films it was chilly, you could see the breathe of all the actors for quite a distance in the camera shots.. so grab a blanket and some popcorn and cuddle up so fun and entertainment… Be safe out there & See ya next time for Funky Friday.
Shaft 1971-Trailer
Warner Archive /WB Shop-
😎🤖🎥🙃
Varese Sarabande- Shaft soundtrack by Issac Hayes Both a 2 LP (180 gram) vinyl and a 2 disc Deluxe CD
Bonus -more ads from 1971
Want to be a “paperboy”
Above ad — also ran as a commercial in the ’70s , often during Saturday Morning Television. This still brings tears to my eyes… a battle we still face today…
