The mission of The Department of Afro-American Research Arts and Culture to identify the global significance of the creative contributions pioneered by an international diaspora of Blackness
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Sunday, November 9, 2008

The Wiz (1978)






















Starring:

Storyline
Dorothy, a twenty-four-year-old kindergarten teacher, born; raised; and still working in Harlem, is celebrating Thanksgiving with her extended family, but she doesn't seem to be thankful for much in life. She lives a self-imposed sheltered life; she is shy and unfulfilled. Things change for her when she is caught in a snowstorm while chasing after her dog, Toto. They are transported to the mysterious Land of Oz, where she is informed that the only possible way to find her way back home is through the assistance of the powerful wizard in Emerald City. As she goes searching for him, she befriends some creatures who are facing problems in life just as she is. In their quest to find and get help from the wizard, they also face Evillene, the equally evil sister of Evermean, the wicked witch, whom Dorothy inadvertently killed when she arrived in Oz, and who may be their biggest obstacle in achieving their goals. 

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Don't Play Us Cheap (1973)





















Starring:


Storyline
The versatile Melvin Van Peebles helmed this film version of his 1970s Broadway musical about two devil's minions on a quest to crash a rowdy party in Harlem being thrown by Miss Maybell (Esther Rolle). In the process, the little demons earn their set of horns. Van Peebles also penned the rousing rhythm-and-blues score, which includes the songs "Saturday Night," "Ain't Love Grand" and "If You See a Devil, Smash Him."

Saturday, November 1, 2008

Alabama's Ghost (1973)




























Starring:


Storyline
A Criswell-esque narrator speaks of magic hash-hish, nazis, a vanishing elephant, and black coffins while smoke drifts over vast constellations. And so it begins! Alabama (the smooth ‘n’ manic Christopher Brooks) works as a jack-of-all trades at Turk Murphy’s dixieland jazz club. After a stumble down the basement steps, fate smiles. For Alabama discovers the belongings of old magician Carter The Great, and subsequently becomes an overnight sensation for “bringing the magic to a new generation!” Of course, fame does not come without foibles. Remember the magic hash-hish? The elephant? The vampires? Yep. They’re all here. And they all spell trouble for our hero.