Putney Swope (1969)

"Putney Swope" (1969) is a satirical comedy written and directed by Robert Downey Sr. and stars Arnold Johnson as the title character. However, even though Johnson played the character, Downey Sr. did the voiceover for Putney. Those familiar with Robert Downey Jr.'s portrayal of a Black man in "Tropic Thunder" can draw context between Downey Sr.'s voiceover as Putney. 

The movie was a progressive work of art ahead of its time. There are several themes within the film, but the story revolves around a Black executive who was voted as chair of the board after the unexpected death of the previous chairperson. As soon as Putney took over, he replaced all the white employees with black employees and renamed the company "Truth and Soul, Inc." Throughout the film, Putney takes on clients presenting his eccentric and often outlandish advertising ideas that draw ire from people inside and outside of the company. The film is an excellent blend of political and revolutionary ideologies sweeping American society's landscape in the late 60s.

Director: Robert Downey Sr

Writer: Robert Downey Sr

Starring Arnold Johnson, Laura Greene, Buddy Butler, Antonio Fargas, Vincent Hamill, Lawrence Wolf, Allan Arbus

Note: The film's cast is significant; many have minor speaking parts.

Storyline

When its chairperson dies, an advertising firm's executive board must elect someone to fill the position. Each member, unable to vote for himself, casts a secret ballot for Putney Swope (Arnold Johnson), the firm's only black executive, assuming he wouldn't receive any votes from the other members. But once in power, Swope makes radical changes to the firm, like keeping only one white employee and refusing to advertise harmful products under the firm's new moniker, "Truth and Soul, Inc."