The Cool World (1963)
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100% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
63% of users liked it
(121 ratings)
No relation to the later Ralph Bakshi semi-animated feature of the same name, Cool World is set in the meanest sections of Harlem. Hampton Clayton plays Duke, a powerful street gang member who claims that he is motivated by the Black Muslim movement. His subsequent criminal activities are thus not… More No relation to the later Ralph Bakshi semi-animated feature of the same name, Cool World is set in the meanest sections of Harlem. Hampton Clayton plays Duke, a powerful street gang member who claims that he is motivated by the Black Muslim movement. His subsequent criminal activities are thus not merely for gain, but as a means to declare black supremacy over the white establishment. One of director Shirley Clarke's few mainstream projects, Cool World was the first commercial film venture to be shot on location in Harlem. The largely unknown cast features future luminaries (and husband and wife) Clarence Williams III and Gloria Foster. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Rating, Runtime
- Unrated, 1 hr. 44 min.
- Directed By
- Shirley Clarke
- Written By
- Shirley Clarke
- Genres
- Drama
- In Theaters
- Apr 20, 1964 Wide
- Studio
- Cinema V
Critic Reviews
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Bosley Crowther, New York Times
As we've come to expect of Miss Clarke's pictures, it is boldly and studiously styled as a literal documentation of a particular social scene, and its attack is more that of the reporter than of the interested teller of a tale.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
It certainly had a visceral impact when it first appeared, helped enormously by Baird Bryant's cinematography and Dizzy Gillespie's score.
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Variety Staff, Variety
Sometimes the characters get a bit lost in the general schematics of the pic, which at times waters down its underlying irony. But, overall, Clarke has a firm hold on her characters and story.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
This little alleycat film captures the day-to-day desperation of the ghetto world, mainlining its images with transfusions of eclectic jazz background.
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, Time Out
Often crudely photographed, but with a brilliantly multi-layered sound-track which integrates some fine jazz.
Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Hampton Clantonas Duke -
Yolanda Rodríguezas Luanee -
Carl Leeas Priest
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Gary Bollingas Littleman -
Clarence Williams IIIas Blood -
Gloria Fosteras Mrs. Custis
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