Author Archive: Retro

Musical love story that follows the relationship of philandering husband and his naive wife.

Originally telecast February 25, 1972, To All My Friends on Shore stars Bill Cosby as a middle-aged airport redcap. Frustrated by his job and his ghetto existence, Cosby vows to seek out a better life for himself and his loved ones. But his stubborn efforts to do so succeed only in turning his family against him. Already burdened with enough problems for three men, Cosby must face a new crisis when his son develops sickle-cell anemia. Filmed on location in Connecticut, To All My Friends on Shore not only starred Bill Cosby, but was produced, scored and written by him as well. Allan Sloane was honored with an Emmy for his adaptation of Cosby’s original story.

Controversial story about a light-skinned black woman whose resentment of her heritage leads to tragedy. Dir. Anthony Mann.

Troubled theatrical boardinghouse serves as the backdrop for this musical revue.

Thriller about a murder that takes place in a nightclub which may have connections to a singer’s boyfriend, an escaped con.

Comedy drama concerning a conman leading a bogus back-to-Africa movement who takes advantage of other blacks who think of him as their savior. Based on the life of Marcus Garvey.

Young nightclub singer Harris is framed for murder, and inexperienced detective Newsome must clear her name. Dir. Harry Fraser.

After an accident limits the use of his left hand, a concert violinist becomes a music teacher and constantly clashes with his swing-loving son.

Hitch-hiking conmen Bad News Johnson and July Jones arrive in a Midwestern small town with a capital of 25 cents. Taking a room with Mama Lou, whose daughter is entered in a local beauty contest, they pose as Hollywood actors who can train Honey Dew in stagecraft. Meanwhile, Mama’s other daughter Florida prepares to elope to Chicago with Johnny, owner of the Juke Joint…where, after a jitterbug contest, Mama herself takes a hand.