Hollywood Shuffle (1987)

User Rating:

6.8/10   

Director:

Robert Townsend

Writers:

Robert Townsend (written by)
Keenen Ivory Wayans (written by)

Release Date:

20 March 1987 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Bobby Taylor was on his way to becoming a star, when a funny thing happened.....

Plot:

An actor limited to stereotypical roles because of his ethnicity, dreams of making it big as a highly respected performer. As he makes his rounds, the film takes a satiric look at African American actors in Hollywood.

Plot Keywords:

Actor | Dream | African American | Reality | Satire

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Robert Townsend	...	Bobby Taylor / Jasper / Speed / Sam Ace / Rambro
Craigus R. Johnson	...	Stevie Taylor
Helen Martin	...	Bobby's Grandmother
Starletta DuPois	...	Bobby's Mother
Marc Figueroa	...	Sitcom Father / Client #2
Sarah Kaite Coughlan	...	Sitcom Girlfriend / Rehearsing Actress (as Sarah Kate Coughlin)
Sean Michal Flynn	...	Sitcom Boyfriend
Brad Sanders	...	Batty Boy
David McKnight	...	Uncle Ray
Keenen Ivory Wayans	...	Donald / Jheri Curl
Lou B. Washington	...	Tiny (as Ludie Washington)
Anne-Marie Johnson	...	Lydia / Willie Mae / Hooker #5
Don Reed	...	Maurice
Kim Wayans	...	Customer in Chair
Gregory 'Popeye' Alexander	...	Pimp / Eddie Murphy-Type

Also Known As:

Robert Townsend's Hollywood Shuffle (USA) (video title)

Runtime:

78 min | Canada:81 min (Ontario)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color | Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Canada:14A (Ontario) | Iceland:L | Australia:M | Finland:K-8 | Sweden:11 | UK:15 | USA:R | West Germany:12 | Spain:13

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Conquering Unicorn

Trivia:

Producer/director/star Robert Townsend put US$40,000 of the film's US$100,000 budget on ten personal credit cards, and obtained free film stock by splicing together leftovers from the production of Odd Jobs (1986) and Ratboy (1986), in which he had appeared. The 17 days of shooting were spread over two years, since he had to tour as a stand-up comedian whenever he could not afford to continue production.

Quotes:

Bobby Taylor: There's always work at the post office.

Movie Connections:

Featured in TV in Black: The First Fifty Years (2004) (V)

Perfect

I've forced this film on all my friends and there isn't one who regrets seeing it. A couple haven't been that enthusiastic at first; thought it was all right but didn't understand the fuss I make about it, but the next day they'll want to watch it again.

I find it pretty embarrassing when someone quotes the inevitable Austin Powers, but for months after seeing this film I just couldn't help it - probably the reason I had to get everyone I know to watch it.

Some films have great scenes and some are just good films; this is both. Genuinely funny with real heart.

Say it with me now: WINKY DINKY DOGGG.