Storyline Johnnie
Mae Gibson: F.B.I., is a 1986 CBS television fact based movie that
starred accomplished, diversified film, stage and television actress
Lynn Whitfield. Whitfield plays the title role of Johnnie Mae Gibson,
who become the first African American female F.B.I. agent. In this film
we see her trials, tribulations, and eventual triumphs.
Storyline When an African-American basketball star, Maurice Stokes (Bernie Casey, Hit Man and Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde) suffers sudden paralysis, his white friend,
Jack Twyman
(Bo Svenson) and teammate assists in his rehabilitation. Janet MacLachlan (Uptight and Sounder) also stars. Based on the true story of Maurice Stokes.
This film straddles the line of Blaxploitation vs. Black Cinema. Interpretation or how one defines is subjective to the individual, but the social context is interesting.
"There’s a massive subtext going on here about white guilt. They are
certain to clarify several times that Twyman, “Wasn’t all that good of
friends with Maurie.” Of course, they never delve any further into it,
and I’m probably just making it up in my head because I’m bitter and
can’t understand doing something for anyone."
I can see how the author of the article would come to that conclusion, however, one could also see it from the "doing a good deed" standpoint, that Twyman was just helping. Of course, a film being made in the 70s that was practically know for exploitative purposes, it wouldn't be difficult to see how one could associated this film as Blaxploitation.
Storyline
In 1956, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers landed a doo-wop hit with
"Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" Fame turned to tragedy as lead singer
Lymon (Larenz Tate) descended into substance abuse that eventually
claimed his life at age 25. But Lymon didn't just leave his fans bereft
-- he also left behind three women, and each
believes she's owed his song royalties: Platters singer Zola Taylor
(Halle Berry), prostitute Elizabeth Waters (Vivica A. Fox) and
schoolteacher Emira Eagle (Lela Rochon).