Hollywood Shuffle [DVD]

Robert Townsend's first film Hollywood Shuffle is a hilarious satire that cleverly condemns the way Blacks are treated in the entertainment industry. It's clear that Townsend knows his material and uses that insider knowledge to poke fun at the sterotypical way blacks are portrayed on TV and in film. Through satire Townsend makes fun of Hollywood while telling everyone the truth about how hard it is for black actors. Desperate to get the lead role in "Jivetime Jimmy's revenge" struggling actor Bobby aspires to become a superstar while working at a dead end job at Winky Dinky Dog. During Bobby's journey, we learn that and the road to stardom for African-Americans is full of compromises that force intelligent hardworking black actors to degrade and humiliate themselves in order to get a break. As he gets the lead role in Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge, Bobby must wonder if his dignity and self-respect are worth sacrificing to achieve his dream.Robert Townsend makes a groundbreaking film and his cast of then unknowns gives great performances. After this film was produced most of the cast of this film went on to successful careers John Witherspoon, Keenan Ivory Wayans and Rusty Cundieff are just a few of the people who became stars as a result of this film I think every African-American who wants to work in the entertainment industry or any African American who already is and actor needs to watch this film. I also think a certain Black actress who just compromised herself to win an Oscar really needs to watch this film. It will make you think about the way they portray people of color in media.

To make a film that is this good with as little as Townsend had to work with truly is nothing short of a logistical triumph! By begging cinematographers for leftover film stock, borrowing every dollar he could find including his personal credit cards, talking cast and crew into working for deferred payments and making that same crew wear UCLA shirts in order to circumvent the enormous expense of film permits in Los Angeles, Townsend made an expensive-looking movie for less than $100,000. The film is not perfect, and how could it be given how little he had to work with, but it is a testament to Townsend's shear determination!Hollywood Shuffle is strongest when its protagonist, jaded with his dead-end job and the stereotypical roles he lands, wanders into his daydreams. The highlights of these are "Black Acting School" with Townsend delivering a pitch-perfect British accent in a world that would never want it and his parody of the iconic Sam Spade. How this didn't make him a household name is beyond me, but, then, Townsend is satirizing a subject matter so uncomfortable that it is simply easier to pretend it doesn't exist.

Robert Townsend is delightful and appealing; knowing what he went through to get this film made makes me admire him all the more. I am in awe. Not only is the film funny, smart and entertaining...it is a true original. With the help of the Wayans brothers, and other unknowns of the time (that are better known now than in '87), this is a film about integrity and conscience, as well as confidence and belief in yourself. A great lesson and a fine film. Robert Townsend shows brilliance and promise, as star & director. His later films couldn't quite match this first blast of originality. Though racial stereotypes are pretty much the center of attention, the broader theme of integrity and self-respect shine through like a beacon...a beacon that I wish more directors of racially-themed films would heed. (John Singleton comes to mind; never since matched the gut-power of "Boyz 'n the Hood".) The fact that Mr. Townsend is so self-effacing, while still refusing to give in, made me want to stand up and cheer. It's a fun film, well made, and perfectly entertaining. If it wasn't for some of the (stereotypical) language, I would recommend this as a lesson for kids. A most admirable effort.

Campy as hell and low budget. He made this movie with his credit cards. So many future stars. We still say the lines. :)

Robert Townsend's early effort to bring back black movies. This movie is funny as heck, especially Keenan Ivory Wayans playing the character called "Jeri Curls" slinging activator Juice all over the place. Humorous movie with morals and ethics attached. Gives a great message of what some are willing to do to be in the spotlight and recognized and some that still want to do what is right for themselves in the eyes of family and for themselves.

Awesome Movie!!!! I recall watching this movie as a child in the 1980s. When I saw it on DVD on Amazon, I was so excited I ordered it right away.

The family just loves this movie. we recently found that we had lost the original. we were so happy that we were able to replace.this is one movie in our must see family holiday movie night

The shipment arrived timely and the disc is in good shape. Have never seen this move of heard of it but I hear great things. Cant wait to watch it.

Made on a credit card it held up a mirror to the characterisation of black actors and Hollywoods myopic veiw of actors of non-European descent. Even after the centuries of damage Shakespeare's Shilock and Dickens Fagen have done the villianisation and ridicule persist in some areas to this day in some form (Hip artist take note). This film fired a satirical shotgun in the air over all concerned both majority and minority but most of all it is just plain funny.

If you haven't seen this movie, watch it!!!It's hilarious, and poignant.WAAAAYY ahead of its time!!!!

Movie that shows the importance of maintaining your core values.