Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970)

Cotton Comes to Harlem is a 1970 American neo-noir action comedy film co-written and directed by Ossie Davis and starring Godfrey Cambridge, Raymond St. Jacques, and Redd Foxx. The film, later cited as an early example of the Blaxploitation genre, is based on Chester Himes' novel of the same name. The opening theme, "Ain't Now But It's Gonna Be", was written by Ossie Davis and performed by Melba Moore. The film was one of the many black films that appeared in the 1970s and became overnight hits. It was followed two years later by the sequel Come Back, Charleston Blue (1972).

Synopsis:
Two Harlem cops investigate a robbery, believing that a reverend has staged it in order to steal the money he's collected for a local fundraiser.

Storyline:
Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson are two black cops with a reputation for breaking the odd head. Both are annoyed at the success of the Reverend Deke O'Mailey who is selling trips back to Africa to the poor on the installment plan. When his truck is hijacked and a bale of cotton stuffed with money is lost in the chase, Harlem is turned upside down by Gravedigger and Coffin Ed, the Reverend, and the hijackers. Hilarity ensues!Much of the humor is urban black, which was unusual in 1970.

Production:
The film saw the debut of Calvin Lockhart, Judy Pace, and Cleavon Little. Another debut was by Redd Foxx, already well known as a veteran nightclub comic, leading him to be considered for the TV Show Sanford and Son.

Themes:
Cotton Comes to Harlem is hailed by many as the first blaxploitation film, although others felt that it was merely an action comedy film. Detectives Gravedigger and Coffin Ed do not always follow the rules. They are not necessarily fighting to protect the rule of law, but they try to protect their people from racist attitudes.

Reception:
Ken Hanke of the Mountain Xpress called Cotton Comes to Harlem "one of the earliest and best Blaxploitation films.

Box Office:
Cotton Comes to Harlem is one of the most commercially successful films Hollywood produced in the 1970s starring a predominantly black cast. The film was one of the many black films that appeared in the 1970s eventually becoming a cult classic. Cotton Comes to Harlem inspired more black films during the 1970s, including more action-packed numbers such as Shaft and Super Fly.

We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended.

Black Excellence: https://www.youtube.com/channe....l/UCgmo388mPKoQosX5t