It’s Streaming Sunday and here is the first edition-
Brown Sugar-Badass Cinema
Styling and retro: as funky as she is hip … she’s deadly… dressing to the hilt with stomping boots and high heels that will put your lights out, she’s got flashy long sexy legs that are capable of all sorts of mayhem -so watch out for those killer kung fu moves they are lethal, more lethal than a deadly china doll, all the while distracting you with her enormously big, beautiful bright…eyes(did you think I was going to say something else?), a smile to melt your heart. Yeah she was the knew kid on the block almost 4 years ago- so almost a milestone marker this summer. Aimed at African Americans. Offering up a buffet of cultural fare from the days when fros, hair pics, bell bottoms pants, Mandarin collars and tied off- waist length shirts were in style. These were the days when cats like Shaft made leather pants and jackets cool and styling. The language of of the times were — “Hey dude where’s my …? “ & “chill out man”. The Brothers Johnson were singing about *Get the Funk outta My Face*.
Well this was my era too and all I can say to Brown Sugar is it’s Dynomite … so right on brother…This is the coolest streaming channel out there with niche programming that hits the spot .. with black action from the early 70’s on up and some of the most iconic stars to ever cruise across the silver screen…
Above : Darktown Strutters just one of the films featured on Brown Sugar and starring Trina Parks(Thumper) of Diamonds Are Forever.
Rudy Ray Moore rhyming and jiving, kicking and spinning, big Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, Billy Dee Williams, Ron Van Clief- The Black Dragon, Richard Pryor, Gloria Hendry, Trina Parks, Rosalind Cash, Donna Summers, Isaac Hayes, Sidney Portier appearing films like .. The Hit , Melinda, Thank God It’s Friday, Car Wash, The Organization, Hell Up in Harlem, Slaughter, Dolemite, Savage Sisters and Cotton Comes to Harlem,
Hickey and Boggs( a gritty private eye flick with superb performances by Robert Culp and Bill Cosby) and many more.
Above : still from Savage Sisters- Gloria Hendry in action
But for desert there is the queen of the screen, making you scream, licking your lips as well as your finger-tips,clenching your fists and snapping your chains as you reel in pain because she is a one man wrecking machine .. she’s Pam Grier. The one and only Sheena of the urban jungle she’ll knock your lights and put you out before she puts out. Just sit back and be entertained as Brown Sugar is highlighting over 10 of her movies-spanning 4 decades: Original Gangstas, Jackie Brown, Scream Blacula Scream, Sheba Baby, Black Mama-White Mama…Foxy Brown.
Brown Sugar is a treasure trove of hidden trivia housing some of the most prolific B-Movie character actors within the very confines of the films being featured on this channel. What’s really unique is that these films really were multicultural even just for the casting involved and the production crews considering that several were produced and shot outside the US. Here’s a challenge to all as you are watching these great films from 70’s see if you can spot these names either on the “screen” or in the credits… with all the movies that were turned out during that period many of these actors made cameos or were in supporting roles and along with them some very talented behind the scenes genius’ that were incredible with pulling off some movie magic with very small budgets. Some to look out for:
Above:Sid Haig as a modern day pirate in Savage Sisters
Sid Haig(Jason of Star Command, Diamonds Are Forever & Coffy), John Ashley(Beach Party & The A-Team-Executive Producer), Eddie Romero( the Roger Corman of the Phillippines), Cheri Caffaro(Ginger), Jack Hill( The Big Doll House), Vic Diaz(The Big Bird Cage & The Boy’s in Company C, Les Baxter(known for exotica and lounge music). So I hope your up for this and good luck. All films offered are commercial free, unedited and when available extras including the original theatrical trailers and release posters.
But that’s not all, turning to the small screen Brow Sugar has unearthed a rare, long sought after pilot — a “movie of the week” on ABC (January of 1974)-. This pilot resulted in a weekly series that has become a cult classic over the years. Unfortunately it only lasted one season but produced 23 super fun episodes. The series ran from September 1974 to April of 1975. And if Pam Grier is the queen, well then Theresa is the princess. Keep a watch out because everyone wants to *Get Christie Love*..starring Theresa Graves. Theresa had an appealing, very cute- charming personality and a smile that could get you to do just about anything and that was incorporated into the character. Christie had tenacity and never let up if she had a hunch about a case and she was usually right ..sometimes to the dismay of her superiors.. her captain included. She went through 3 different Captains during the course of the series. played in order by Harry Gaurdino, Charles Cioffi and Jack Kelly (Maverick).
The series was graced with a funky upbeat theme song that was used in the opening titles for about 1/2 of the episodes and then replaced by an instrumental for the remaining episodes, featured excellent supporting characters -some quirky .. like her partner who is trying to write a book about his experiences as a police officer, always has Christie’s back, no matter what . So fly the straight and narrow because as Christie says ..” you’re under arrest Sugah!”
Trivia Break: Theresa Graves was the only Black Female lead in a dramatic TV series between 1975 until Kerry Washington of Scandal (2012)
Above: The talented cast of In The Cut-from left to right — Kelitta Smith, John Marshall Jones(the ever lovable Smitty), Dorien Wilson, Laura Hayes(Mable who has the best pies in town), Ken Lawson(Kenny)
Rounding out the programming is some current original shows from Bounce TV network- hit series Saints and Sinners, Mann and Wife and a very funny sitcom In The Cut(in it’s 7th season & is the most watched series on Bounce TV) populated by a quirky cast of barbers/salon specialists as well as some very talented comedians with Dorien Wilson(The Parkers) as Jay the owner of a barber shop who has the gift of gab .but less skills when it comes to a haircut but thanks to the arrival of a son Kenny(rapper Ken Lawson) he never knew he had. Kenny just happens to be a whiz with clippers and shears. Mean while the salon next door which is currently run by his girlfriend Cheryl played by Kellita Smith(The Bernie Mac Show) who is paying rent to Jay for the salon.. The comedy spurs from the fact that Jay has never had to raise any kids and tends to say things that get him in the dog house- hence 4 marriages, but he has a good heart. Let’s be honest here the way we phrase our statements and verbalize our thoughts the opposite sex does not always understand. Let’s face it we have all been in the dog house …I’m still in there and let me tell you there is not a lot of room in here. I actually lost count how long it’s been. The comedy that transcends from these type of situations is something we all can relate to no matter what side of the fence your on or dog house.
Special Bonus-just added
Cleopatra Jones and The Casino of Gold with Tamara Dobson reprising her role as the title character. Co-produced between Shaw Brothers and Warner Bros. A cash in on the kung fu craze that was sweeping the world. Boasting exotic Hong Kong locations and Stella Stevens as the Dragon Lady. International intrigue is on high as Cleo tries to shut down a massive herion pipeline that reaches deep into the states. Check out the wild pad that Cleo’s opposite number with the Hong Kong Secret Service Tanny calls home. Comes complete with a mirrored wall that at the press of a button starts the mirrors revolving and revealed behind are throwing/shooting targets. Every home should have one. Casino is nothing short of fun and does not pretend to be anything else, so plan a night of popcorn and funky clothes, high heels and lots of action.
Below: Tamara in print ad for Custom Blend Cosmetics
Tamara Dobson stood an impressive, one might even say intimidating 6 foot 2 — I can only say I think anyone would think twice before trying to mess Tamara. Thanks the to her amazing stature she holds the Guinness book of world records as the “Tallest Leading Lad in Film”. Now being extremely photogenic, she modeled for Vogue and Essence magazines besides appearing in commercials for Revlon, Faberge’ and Chanel. She also held a degree in Fashion Illustration…Tamara had the brains to back up the brawn. Smart and sexy.
Oh one last thing, an awesome surprise included with your subscription- Premier Boxing Champions on Bounce.
Now with Kung Fu at the Bijou-
offering up classic martial arts flicks from the ’70s including Shoalin Temple plus with a Blaxlpoitation twist The Black Dragon(Jason Pai Pao and Ron Van Clief)- a fish out of water story when a country bumpkin starts work for a shady employer he is duped by the “HR dept as he places his “signature” (a bull symbol) on a contract having no clue what he has just gottn’ himself in for , Black Belt Jones(Jim “Dragon” Kelly)
and I highly recommend Brown Sugar for not only being again unique but for Bounce putting together a channel that has created a warm spot in my heart for providing me an opportunity to reconnect with some of my favorites films,TV series, actors/actresses and more importantly heroes and for me I don’t care what shape, size, male or female or color they come in, we all bleed one color. My heroes have guts, not afraid to show a little bit of fear, compassion. But most of all know what is fair & how to deal out justice when they have to bring the “man” down. And have an awesome theme song. Doing it all in style and dressed ready to make a fashion statement. So my man, have a a glorious day just trippin on the back side-give me five and slide it on down with a slap for some change. Just groovin for another day.
Rating- ****
Platforms- Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Google Chromecast and PC
Monthly- 3.99 with a 7 day free trial
Related links and material-
VCI Entertainment-
Offering up a heaping does of classic movie serials and international cult classics both from the small and big screen… with new releases monthly…. restored and remastered many now in 2 & 4 K.
See link for The Twilight People(1972) a most popular and rare Filipino-American SCI-FI/Action production from the ’70s featuring Pam Grier as Panther Woman. This was one of many takes on HG Welles’ Island of Dr Moreau. Directed By Eddie Romero and starring John Ashley( Mad Doctor of Blood Island & Beach Party). Opening scene is a beautiful underwater sequence that if you did not know better looks as a travel log unfolding and featuring the music to go with it.
Was a Drive-In hit instantly. Played with The Doberman Gang.
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