The Emperor Jones (1933) (1933)
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83% of critics liked it
(6 reviews) -
49% of users liked it
(418 ratings)
Adapted by DuBose Heyward from a Eugene O'Neill play, Emperor Jones is one of Paul Robeson's earliest and most powerful leading roles. Railroad porter Brutus Jones (Robeson) leaves his girlfriend Dolly (Ruby Elzy) in favor of Undine (Fredi Washington), but he soon leaves her too. Brutus is a… More Adapted by DuBose Heyward from a Eugene O'Neill play, Emperor Jones is one of Paul Robeson's earliest and most powerful leading roles. Railroad porter Brutus Jones (Robeson) leaves his girlfriend Dolly (Ruby Elzy) in favor of Undine (Fredi Washington), but he soon leaves her too. Brutus is a master manipulator, liar, and swindler who murders his friend Jeff (Frank Wilson) over a crap game. He ends up on a chain gang, but escapes to Haiti where the white trader Smithers (Dudley Digges) buys his freedom. He then scams his way into a business partnership with Smithers and becomes rich. He plays tricks on the natives with a gun, proclaiming that only a silver bullet can kill him. The natives believe he is immortal and he declares himself emperor, holding a tyrannical rule over the people. They naturally revolt, and he is forced to escape into the jungle. Brutus disappears into the woods where he hears voices and sees visions, eventually leading up to his suicide. ~ Andrea LeVasseur, Rovi
- Directed By
- Dudley Murphy
- Written By
- DuBose Heyward
- Genres
- Drama, Classics
Unrated,
- In Theaters
- Jan 1, 1933 Wide
- On DVD
- Nov 25, 2003
- Studio
- American Pop Classics
Critic Reviews
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Mordaunt Hall, New York Times
It is a distinguished offering, resolute and firm, with a most compelling portrayal by Paul Robeson.
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Paul Robeson gives one of his greatest film performances in this arty, dated, but interesting 1933 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play.
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
A great performance from the legendary African-American singer Paul Robeson.
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James Kendrick, Q Network Film Desk
The Emperor Jones bludgeoned through color barriers.
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, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Robeson's powerful presence, particularly through his wonderful, mellifluous voice, dominates each scene.
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Cast
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Paul Robeson
as Brutus Jones
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Dudley Digges
as Smithers
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Frank Wilson
as Jeff
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Fredi Washington
as Undine
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Ruby Elzy
as Dolly
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George Haymid Stamper
as Lem
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Jackie Mayble
as Marcella
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Blueboy O'Connor
as Treasurer
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Brandon Evans
as Carrington
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Rex Ingram
as Court Crier
- Frank H. Wilson
