Watermelon Man (1970)
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64% of users liked it
(991 ratings)
African-American activist and actor Melvin Van Peebles directed this comedy-drama starring Godfrey Cambridge as Jeff Gerber, a white, middle class husband to Althea (Estelle Parson) and father of two who is also a mild bigot. One morning, Jeff wakes up to discover that he has become a black man… More African-American activist and actor Melvin Van Peebles directed this comedy-drama starring Godfrey Cambridge as Jeff Gerber, a white, middle class husband to Althea (Estelle Parson) and father of two who is also a mild bigot. One morning, Jeff wakes up to discover that he has become a black man overnight. After trying in vain to remove his new pigment, Jeff ventures out into the world, only to discover the hostility he once engendered himself. After his neighbors petition to get him out of the neighborhood, his boss (Howard Caine) tries to use his new identity to the company's advantage and his doctor suggests he seek medical care elsewhere, Jeff comes to see the many sides of racism. The only rays of hope in his situation are the friendship of several fellow black people, including a bus driver (D'Urville Martin) and a restaurant counter man (Mantan Moreland). ~ Karl Williams, Rovi
- Directed By
- Melvin Van Peebles
- Genres
- Drama, Classics, Comedy
R,
- In Theaters
- May 27, 1970 Wide
- Studio
- Sony Pictures Entertainment
Critic Reviews
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Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Problem is it hammers home its point about racism being alive and well in America until it becomes annoyingly repetitive and preachy.
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Rumsey Taylor, Not Coming to a Theater Near You
It is not the most stalwart ethnological study of its time, though it is significant for its heritage, its confrontation, and its violation of taboos.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
Featured Audience Ratings
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Cast
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Godfrey Cambridge
as Jeff Gerber
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Estelle Parsons
as Althea Gerber
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Howard Caine
as Mr. Townsend
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D'Urville Martin
as Bus Driver
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Mantan Moreland
as Cashier
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Kay Kimberly
as Erica
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Kay E. Kuter
as Dr. Wainwright
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Ray Ballard
as 3rd Passenger
- Mae Clarke
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Rhodie Cogan
as Mrs. Johnson
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Robert Dagny
as 2nd Passenger
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Scott Garrett
as Burton Gerber
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Charles Lampkin
as Dr. Catlin
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Karl Lukas
as 2nd Policeman
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Hazel Medina
as Widow
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Ralph Montgomery
as Drugstore Boss
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Erin Moran
as Janice Gerber
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Lawrence Parke
as 1st Passenger
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Irving Selbst
as Mr. Johnson
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Emil Sitka
as Delivery Man
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Frank Farmer
as Andy Brandon
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Donna Dubrow
as Receptionist
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Erik Nelson
as Doorman
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Paul Williams
as Employment Office Clerk
