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Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend

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Movies Starring Robert Townsend (47)

A Walk with Charles Burnett (2019)

Filmmaker Robert Townsend executive-produced the following fifty-six-minute program for Criterion's Meet the Filmmakers series in 2018. In it, he and Charles Burnett reflect on Burnett's groundbreaking career in cinema, returning to South Central Los Angel ...

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Playin' for Love (2015)

Coach Banks (Robert Townsend) is used to calling all the shots for his championship high school basketball team and in his own love life. But that's about to change when he meets, Talisa McCoy (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), the mother of a star player, new ...

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Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire (2012)

Scooby and the gang have their first musical mystery in "Scooby Doo: Music of the Vampire." It begins when they take a sing-a-long road trip into bayou country to attend the "Vampire-Palooza Festival" – an outdoor fair dedicated to all things Draculian. ...

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Directors on Directing (2009)

A look at the development of film making and its contribution to the social and political times form the perspective of Black film makers. ...

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Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy (2009)

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring ...

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Of Boys and Men (2008)

Robert Townsend stars as the patriarch of a family devastated when his wife is killed in a senseless auto accident. Reeling with grief, each family member must find courage and vision to carry on, ultimately eager to do the mother proud. ...

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Tao of The Golden Mask (2007)

In the 70's, Langston Faizon Santisima, barely 18, left his native Cuba on an impossible quest- to direct a film starring Bruce Lee. Against all odds, and with no background in film making, the aspiring young director made it to Thailand where created a le ...

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Black Listed (2003)

Alan Chambers (Townsend) is a lawyer and sick of his job. He corrals his friends into forming a vigilante group. Everyone goes along with it at first, until it turns sour and innocent people start dying, and Alan is the only one left standing. ...

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I Was a Teenage Faust (2002)

15 year old Brendan Willy hates himself for being un-cool when he falls in love with the girl of his dreams. Enter Mr. Five, a no good tempter from hell, which in his last attempt to ensnare a soul before being fried for eternity, transforms Brendan into t ...

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Undercover Brother (2002)

An Afro-American organization, the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., is in permanent fight against a white organization "The Man" defending the values of the black people in North America. When the Afro-American candidate Gen. Warren Boutwell behaves strangely in hi ...

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Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs (2002)

Book of Love delivers humor along with the mysteries of unrequited love and relationships gone bad. The film's story line focuses on three men living, dating and loving in Los Angeles in the 90's. They struggle with heartbreak and insecurity as a result of ...

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Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light (2000)

Actor/director Sidney Poitier discusses his life and career. He tells of his upbringing in Jamaica; the difficulties he encountered in New York City at the start of his career; his involvement in the US civil-rights movement; and efforts to end apartheid i ...

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Up, Up, and Away (2000)

A boy is the only member of his family without superpowers, yet the world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers. Will he realize that it doesn't take superpowers to be a hero in time to help them defeat the villains? ...

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Taxman (1999)

After a homocide that the police believe is over gasoline theft, a tax investigator discovers the Russian mafia is involved and that they are stealing millions in gasoline tax money. Only one rookie cop is willing to believe him and together they must get ...

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Mercenary II: Thick & Thin (1999)

Mercenary Captain "Hawk" is in Acion again to save a hostage. But he and his team are betrayed. Nothing is as it seems... ...

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Jackie's Back! (1999)

A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert. ...

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Love Songs (1999)

Louis Gossett, Jr, Robert Townsend and Andre Braugher come together to each direct a short story, all of which are interconnected through themes of love and family. Set in the same predominantly black neighbourhood in North Philadelphia, these threecompell ...

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Joseph's Gift (1999)

Joseph is the youngest member of a large family that owns a successful garment business in Los Angeles. His father, Jacob, makes no attempt at hiding the fact that Joseph is his favorite son, resulting in the constant envy and resentment of his brothers. E ...

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Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media (1997)

Cultural theorist Stuart Hall offers an extended meditation on representation. Moving beyond the accuracy or inaccuracy of specific representations, Hall argues that the process of representation itself constitutes the very world it aims to represent, and ...

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The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder (1994)

Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as "King of the Party Records," Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries. ...

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The Meteor Man (1993)

One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community ...

Watch Now

The Five Heartbeats (1991)

In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, how ...

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Robin Harris: One Night Stand (1990)

American stand-up comedian Robin Harris performs his legendary comedic jokes as part of HBO's classic comedy series One Night Stand. ...

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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4 (1989)

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This fourth and final volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO va ...

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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3 (1989)

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This third riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HB ...

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The Mighty Quinn (1989)

Police chief Xavier Quinn investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island. He was found decapitated in his Jacuzzi. Although the local political establishment, especially crooked Governor Chalk, insis ...

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That's Adequate (1989)

This mockumentary about fictional movie studio Adequate Pictures boasts an interesting cast. Tony Randall hosts, and James CoCo (practically on his deathbed) stars as head of the studio. Includes parodies of everything from silent comedies to porn, includ ...

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I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)

Jack Spade returns from the army in his old ghetto neighbourhood when his brother, June Bug, dies. Jack declares war on Mr. Big, powerful local crimelord. His army is led by John Slade, his childhood idol who used to fight bad guys in the 70s. ...

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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2 (1988)

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This second riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled H ...

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Nelson Mandela 70th Birthday Tribute (1988)

Wembley Stadium hosts a concert featuring stars from the fields of music, comedy and film, in celebration of the 70th birthday of imprisoned ANC leader Nelson Mandela. Highlight of the evening is the one hour live performance of Dire Straits feat. Eric Cla ...

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Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1 (1987)

From comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show business. Featuring Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, and Paul Mooney among others Robert Townsend: Partner ...

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Uptown Comedy Express (1987)

TV Special with a variety of comedians. ...

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Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film "Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge." When Tinseltown Studios casts Taylor in the title role, he has a se ...

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Ratboy (1986)

A failed window dresser exploits a being with rat-like features in an effort to make money. ...

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Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me (1986)

Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986. Comedians include Jeff Altman, Roseanne Barr, Sam Kinison, Bob Nelson, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Townsend, and, of course, Rodney Dangerfi ...

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Odd Jobs (1986)

Five college buddies start their own moving business only to find themselves tangling with sleazy competitors and the mob. ...

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American Flyers (1985)

When Dr. Marcus Sommers realizes that he and his troubled, estranged brother David may be prone a fatal brain disease that runs in their family, he decides to make peace with his sibling, and invites him on a trip to the Rockies. There, the brothers bond o ...

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A Soldier's Story (1984)

In a rural town in Louisiana, a black Master Sergeant is found shot to death just outside the local Army Base. Military lawyer, Captain Davenport—also a black man—is sent from Washington to conduct an investigation. Facing an uncooperative chain of com ...

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Streets of Fire (1984)

Raven Shaddock and his gang of merciless biker friends kidnap rock singer Ellen Aim. Ellen's former lover, soldier-for-hire Tom Cody, happens to be passing through town on a visit. In an attempt to save his star act, Ellen's manager hires Tom to rescue her ...

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In Love with an Older Woman (1982)

Robert (John Ritter) is a lawyer who takes more than professional interest in the new investigator hired by his firm, Isobel (Karen Carlson). As the two start working together, a romantic relationship gradually develops between them. But there's one slight ...

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Senior Trip (1981)

A group of graduating students from a midwestern high school comes to New York City on a trip to celebrate the impending end of school. The students include: Roger Ellis, an ambitious teen aiming for success in big business; David, an aspiring rock star; J ...

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Willie & Phil (1980)

Life imitates art when two Manhattanites — pompous teacher Willie and quiet photographer Phil — become friends after a thought-provoking screening of "Jules et Jim," Truffaut's classic film about a decades-long ménage à trois. Soon, the men meet Jean ...

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Women at West Point (1979)

A fictionalized drama about the first women to enter the U.S. Military Academy in 1976 and the reactions they faced. ...

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The Warriors (1979)

Prominent gang leader Cyrus calls a meeting of New York's gangs to set aside their turf wars and take over the city. At the meeting, a rival leader kills Cyrus, but a Coney Island gang called the Warriors is wrongly blamed for Cyrus' death. Before you know ...

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The Monkey Hustle (1976)

A new highway threatens a Chicago neighborhood, so to protest the residents throw a block party. ...

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Mahogany (1975)

An aspiring designer from the slums of Chicago puts herself through fashion school in the hopes of becoming one of the world's top designers. Her ambition leads her to Rome spurring a choice between the man she loves or her newfound success. ...

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Cooley High (1975)

In the mid-1960s, a group of high school friends who live on the Near North Side of Chicago enjoy life to the fullest...parties, hanging out, meeting new friends. Then life changes for two of the guys when they are falsely arrested in connection with steal ...

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Movies Made By Robert Townsend (31)

Ms. Pat: Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy? (2022)

Ms. Pat finds laughter in the absurdities of parenting, pet lovers and very unfortunate lip trends as she unpacks a painful past with humor and honesty. ...

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A Walk with Charles Burnett (2019)

Filmmaker Robert Townsend executive-produced the following fifty-six-minute program for Criterion's Meet the Filmmakers series in 2018. In it, he and Charles Burnett reflect on Burnett's groundbreaking career in cinema, returning to South Central Los Angel ...

Watch Now

Making The Five Heartbeats (2018)

In 1990, actor, comedian, writer and director, Robert Townsend, went against every obstacle in Hollywood, relying on his faith, street smarts, and tenacity to bring his passion project, 1991's The Five Heartbeats, to big screens. The Motown-flavored story ...

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Playin' for Love (2015)

Coach Banks (Robert Townsend) is used to calling all the shots for his championship high school basketball team and in his own love life. But that's about to change when he meets, Talisa McCoy (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), the mother of a star player, new ...

Watch Now

Bill Cosby: Far From Finished (2013)

Bill Cosby shares his hilarious new observations on life and family in this comedy special, his first televised concert in 30 years. ...

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In the Hive (2012)

Sixteen-year-old Xtra Keys hopes to raise his son better than his boozy, razor-edged mother raised him, and he just might get his wish when he's thrust into an unorthodox alternative school full of underprivileged boys. ...

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Diary of a Single Mom (2009)

Ocean a 27-year-old highly-motivated mother has found her calling in managing a neighborhood apartment building along with the residents and the problems found within. As she struggles with a new job, a new home, her own children, a difficult niece, and th ...

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Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy (2009)

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring ...

Watch Now

Of Boys and Men (2008)

Robert Townsend stars as the patriarch of a family devastated when his wife is killed in a senseless auto accident. Reeling with grief, each family member must find courage and vision to carry on, ultimately eager to do the mother proud. ...

Watch Now

Phantom Punch (2008)

From his discovery by a priest while serving time at the Missouri State Penitentiary to the infamous 'Phantom Punch' by Cassius Clay which effectively ended his career, the movie spans the years from 1950 to Liston's mysterious and untimely death in 1971. ...

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Black Listed (2003)

Alan Chambers (Townsend) is a lawyer and sick of his job. He corrals his friends into forming a vigilante group. Everyone goes along with it at first, until it turns sour and innocent people start dying, and Alan is the only one left standing. ...

Watch Now

10,000 Black Men Named George (2002)

In the 1920s, the rights of American workers to join a labor union was still considered an open question, and African-Americans were routinely denied their civil and economic rights. 10,000 Black Men Named George, the title, refers to the fact Pullman por ...

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Carmen: A Hip Hopera (2001)

An engaged Philadelphia policeman falls in love with a beautiful woman while dealing with a corrupt superior. ...

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Holiday Heart (2000)

After losing his police officer lover, Christian drag queen Holiday Heart meets 12-year-old Niki and her drug-addicted mother, Wanda. Heart finds relief from heartache and a renewed sense of purpose when he steps in as a father figure to Niki and welcomes ...

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Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000)

The true life story of famed singer Natalie Cole, daughter of Nat 'King' Cole. Gripping drama of her struggle with addiction and living in her father's shadow while still maintaining her own celebrity status. ...

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Little Richard (2000)

The story of Little Richard Penniman, from his poor Southern upbringing to dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a Black singer in the 1950s, to his born-again phase and brief "retirement" from rock and roll. ...

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Up, Up, and Away (2000)

A boy is the only member of his family without superpowers, yet the world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers. Will he realize that it doesn't take superpowers to be a hero in time to help them defeat the villains? ...

Watch Now

From Behind Closed Doors (1999)

Showtime's "In the 20th Century" is a millennium-related strand of feature-length documentaries in which famous directors take on major subjects of their choosing. In the second of the six films, "From Behind Closed Doors," filmmaker Robert Townsend delves ...

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Jackie's Back! (1999)

A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert. ...

Watch Now

Love Songs (1999)

Louis Gossett, Jr, Robert Townsend and Andre Braugher come together to each direct a short story, all of which are interconnected through themes of love and family. Set in the same predominantly black neighbourhood in North Philadelphia, these threecompell ...

Watch Now

B.A.P.S (1997)

Two wannabe Black American princesses aim to marry rich men, who will pay for their world's first combination hair salon and soul food restaurant. ...

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The Meteor Man (1993)

One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights. He can master the information in any book ... for about thirty seconds. Now his friends and family want him to protect their community ...

Watch Now

The Five Heartbeats (1991)

In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, how ...

Watch Now

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4 (1989)

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This fourth and final volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO va ...

Watch Now

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3 (1989)

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This third riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HB ...

Watch Now

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2 (1988)

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This second riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled H ...

Watch Now

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1 (1987)

From comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show business. Featuring Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, and Paul Mooney among others Robert Townsend: Partner ...

Watch Now

Eddie Murphy Raw (1987)

Eddie Murphy delights, shocks and entertains with dead-on celebrity impersonations, observations on '80s love, sex and marriage, a remembrance of Mom's hamburgers and much more. ...

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Uptown Comedy Express (1987)

TV Special with a variety of comedians. ...

Watch Now

Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film "Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge." When Tinseltown Studios casts Taylor in the title role, he has a se ...

Watch Now

Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me (1986)

Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986. Comedians include Jeff Altman, Roseanne Barr, Sam Kinison, Bob Nelson, Jerry Seinfeld, Robert Townsend, and, of course, Rodney Dangerfi ...

Watch Now