Solomon King (1974)

"Solomon King" (1974) is an action film from the booming 1970s production of black cult movies known as the Blaxploitation era. For the longest, the only thing that ever existed from this film after its initial run in theaters was the rare soundtrack by Jimmy Lewis. Long considered lost, Deaf Crocodile films have brought a piece of 1970s Oakland, California, back to life.

By 1974, the production of black movies was at its highest since the mid-1940s. Moreover, most black films produced came from prominent studio companies like MGM, Warner Brothers, and American International Pictures. However, independent filmmakers were still releasing films too. One of those filmmakers was Sal Watts, an entrepreneur born in Mississippi who eventually moved to California. He had a vision and passion for bringing his ideas to the big screen. In addition, Sal took part in various productions of TV shows, which helped him gain experience in creating "Solomon King."

So, for many people, "Solomon King" is a new-old film. That's different from movies that existed on home media, but you never got to see. If you didn't see this production while it was in theaters in '74 - '76, as well as its retitled run as "Luck Agent (a.k.a. Black Agent)" in 1977, then this is a brand new movie for most. Sal wrote this film with different intentions than many black films saturating the market while simultaneously influenced by famous fictional characters such as "Shaft." The film has a glamorous style of fashion where each character exemplifies the image Sal was conveying. The movie also gives an excellent nostalgic look at Oakland, California. Sal shot several scenes in the film throughout the city, ensuring that he pulls you into the environment.

The actors in the film are primarily novices, but they do a decent job of bringing their characters and the story to life. The storyline is well-thought and promising. This movie isn't an ordinary "stick it to the man" film that was regular during the 70s. There was messaging and righteousness involved, and Sal was making a statement. The action in the movie is fantastic and funny in parts. The action does give off "Dolemite" vibes, but Sal made his movie before Rudy Ray Moore's "Dolemite" conception. In addition, the soulful and funky soundtrack takes this movie to another level.

If you're a fan of those old-school 1970s black movies, then "Solomon King" is the film you need to watch. It's always great to resurface a lost black film so the filmmaker and his family can see their work in a new world. Thanks to Sal's wife, Belinda Burton-Watts, and Deaf Crocodile for bringing this black film history to people. "Solomon King's" release was made possible by Deaf Crocdile's Kickstarter campaign that raised over $50k, resulting in an excellent Blu-ray transfer and clearance granted by Sal's widow, Belinda.

Directors: Jack Bomay, Sal Watts

Writers: Jim Alston (story by), Sal Watts (screenplay by)

Starring Sal Watts, James Watts, Samaki Bennett, Claudia Russo, Felice Kinchelow, Louis Zito, Bernard B. Burton, Richard Scarso, Tito Fuentes, C.B. Lyars, Tanya Boyd

Storyline
Ex-Green Beret Solomon King, an Oakland, California, club owner, swears vengeance when a former lover, Princess Oneeba, is murdered in his house by agents from the oil-rich Middle Eastern sheikdom she once escaped. With the help of brother Maney King, CIA agent O'Malley, and several fellow Vietnam veterans, Solomon conducts a commando raid into the Arab country and kills the hit man.

King (1978, Part Three) [TV Movie]

"King" (1978, Part III)  is the third and final installment of the NBC made-for-television miniseries about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. written and directed by Abby Mann.

After the first episode of the miniseries performed poorly in the National Neilson Ratings, there was a slight improvement for the last two episodes. However, NBC had already accepted the fate of the miniseries not achieving the same success as "Roots." Nevertheless, the show received several Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Lead Actor and Actress for Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson. Mann also received nominations for Outstanding Writing and Directing in a Drama Series. Unfortunately, none were able to earn an Emmy Award.

Paul Winfield gave an excellent performance as Dr. King. While the film suffers in historical accuracy, people can correct the information to fill in the holes. Dick Anthony Williams portrays Malcolm X in an iconic scene between him and King. In the Miami Herald, Wednesday, February 15, 1978, in an article written by Terry Ann Knopf, Mann stated that he obtained information about the meeting directly from King before he died and from Bernard Lee, one of King's aid. But the when and where of the discussion could have been more evident in the movie. Their actual meeting occurred in 1964 in Washington, D.C.

Overall, episode three was an outstanding performance by everyone involved. This movie would benefit many looking to gain some understanding of Dr. King's life.

Director: Abby Mann
Writer: Abby Mann

Starring Paul Winfield, Cicely Tyson, Ernie Hudson, Howard E. Rollins, Al Freeman Jr., Roscoe Lee Browne, Ernie Lee Banks, Ossie Davis, Steven Hill, Lonny Chapman, Cliff De Young, Clu Gulager, William Jordan, Warren J. Kemmerling, Lincoln Kilpatrick, Kenneth McMillan, David Spielberg, Dolph Sweet, Dick Anthony Williams, Art Evans, Frances Foster, Charles Robinson, Roger Robinson, Sheila Frazier, Tony Bennett, Julian Bond, Bill Cobbs

Storyline
Part two of a three-part biographical portrait of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. concludes with his direct involvement in urban housing and unemployment, his meeting with Malcolm X, his stand against the Vietnam War, and his 1968 assassination.

King (1978, Part One) [TV Movie]

"King" (1978, Part I) was an NBC made-for-television movie about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr life written and directed by Abby Mann. The film stars Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson as Martin and Coretta Scott King, respectively. Both actors were already successful in their careers from the 1972 film "Sounder," so they already had the chemistry necessary to pull off this task.

NBC released the miniseries ten years after the assassination of Dr. King, so the tragedy was a reminder for many people when the series aired. Not only that, but many people involved with Dr. King were still active in his legacy. The film did ignite some controversy from several angles. In general, Dr. King involved himself in so many different things at high levels that it would be impossible to nail down all the details of how situations unfolded and, more so, how he responded from an emotional and psychological perspective. According to The Manhattan Mercury, February 12, 1978, in an article by Jerry Buck (The Associated Press), civil rights leaders said that Mann portrayed Kings as "cowardly and frightened." However, Mann countered by saying, "the film may have flaws, but showing as a coward isn't one of them. He may be afraid, but that makes him all the more courageous." Additional criticism included the treatment of Dr. King by former FBI director J. Edger Hoover who attempted to discredit King. 

There are many actors in this miniseries, so it can be challenging to keep up with everyone, but many familiar faces play significant roles. But in part one, Howard E. Rollins stars in his second film playing King's aid, Andrew Young. Part one is an intense drama. Everyone does an excellent job of bringing the life surrounding Dr. King in a way that will touch people emotionally. However, as mentioned earlier, some details and facts may need to be included or corrected, especially considering ten years isn't enough to research the life of Dr. King. But, for educational purposes, this film did well, and I recommend it for viewing. 

Director: Abby Mann
Writer: Abby Mann

Starring Paul Winfield, Cicely Tyson, Ernie Hudson, Howard E. Rollins, Al Freeman Jr., Roscoe Lee Browne, Ernie Lee Banks, Ossie Davis, Steven Hill, Lonny Chapman, Cliff De Young, Clu Gulager, William Jordan, Warren J. Kemmerling, Lincoln Kilpatrick, Kenneth McMillan, David Spielberg, Dolph Sweet, Dick Anthony Williams, Art Evans, Frances Foster, Charles Robinson, Roger Robinson, Sheila Frazier, Tony Bennett, Julian Bond, Bill Cobbs

Storyline
Part one of a three-part biographical portrait of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. covers his decision to enter the ministry, his marriage, his role in the Montgomery bus boycott, and his efforts to desegregate other public accommodations.