The Vintagent Classics: The films that inspired us. 

DARKTOWN STRUTTERS (1975)

Run Time: 1:23:53
Director: William Witney
Writor: George Armitage
Key Cast: Trina Parks, Edna Richardson, Bettye Sweet 

FILM MAKERS

Singin’ Dancin’ Struttin’

Darktown Strutters is a 1975 blaxploitation musical comedy film from New World Pictures. Despite having mixed reviews at the time it has gained cult status over the years with praise from film director Quentin Tarantino. Tarantino called it “a ridiculous satire.”

SUMMARY

This movie will fry your eggs!

“The very least you can say for “Darktown Strutters” is that it’s the first black motorcycle gang rock scifi musical, which would seem to be saying a lot. But the movie bites off about two more genres than it can chew, and never quite works as anything. That’s not to say it doesn’t try: We get a bewildering mixture of characters, plots, actions, songs, dances and even a guest appearance by the Dramatics, who sing “What You See is What You Get” after they’re rescued from the subterranean dungeons of a white chicken ‘n’ ribs tycoon…” – Roger Ebert (read the few 1975 review HERE)

RELATED MEDIA

Watch the full film on CINE MECCANICA