Review of Black Caesar (1973) by Brad G — 17 Feb 2010
Black Caesar, like Super Fly, is another version of the Little Caesar/Scarface tale of the rise and fall of a super criminal. However, what Black Caesar has is Fred Williamson, his badass mutton chops, and a killer James Brown soundtrack.
I really enjoy how the 1953 shoe shine boy prologue bleeds into the 1966-1973 narrative; you start to believe that Williamsonâ??s Godfather of Harlem could strongarm his way into mob territory. The always dependable Julian Harris stops by for a quick turn as Williamsonâ??s reformed, but rather sad rolling stone papa and Art Lundâ??s racist cop is perfectly villainous.
Still, itâ??s a typical rise, fall story and Iâ??m one of those kooks that prefers the mondo craziness of the filmâ??s sequel, Hell Up In Harlem to this average crime saga. VF.
This review of Black Caesar (1973) was written by Brad G on 17 Feb 2010.
Black Caesar has generally received positive reviews.
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