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Drama Cult Classic

A harrowing look at the brutality of slavery in the antebellum South.

SLAVES

The tamings...The desires...The furies...of the Old South!

1969 · 1h 50m · NR · Drama · IMDB TMDB

A Kentucky slave fights for his freedom from cruel overseer whose mistress eventually joins the other slaves in their revolt.

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Quick Answer

What is Slaves about?

Slaves is a 1969 American drama film directed by Herbert J. Biberman about Cassy and Luke, two black slaves sold to a cruel plantation owner determined to exploit them.

Programmer's Pick

Herbert J. Biberman pulls no punches with Slaves, shining an unflinching spotlight on antebellum brutality. Dionne Warwick and Ossie Davis deliver performances that ground the film’s melodrama in real pain and resistance. If you’re in the mood for melodramatic history with a pointed edge, this one doesn’t let its characters—or its audience—off easy.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Set in the 1850s Southern United States, Slaves centers on Cassy and Luke, two black slaves who find themselves under the control of MacKay, a sadistic plantation owner. MacKay's relentless pursuit of profit and pleasure means the men are worked for their labor while the women are targeted for his sexual exploitation. The film’s drama unfolds against the backdrop of a brutal and oppressive plantation system, capturing the constant threat of violence, the desperation of captivity, and the courage required to resist. With its focus on the daily realities of life under slavery, Slaves immerses viewers in the dangers and moral complexities faced by those trapped within this inhumane institution.

Details & Specs

Director
Herbert J. Biberman
Writers
Herbert J. Biberman, John O. Killens, Alida Sherman, Harriet Beecher Stowe
Release
1969
Runtime
1h 50m
Genres
Drama

Why This Matters

This film marks the screen acting debut of renowned singer Dionne Warwick and was directed and co-written by Herbert Biberman.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Herbert J. Biberman Writers: Herbert J. Biberman +3 more
Dionne Warwick Dionne Warwick Cassy Ossie Davis Ossie Davis Luke Stephen Boyd Stephen Boyd MacKay Julius Harris Julius Harris Shadrach David Huddleston David Huddleston Holland Gale Sondergaard Gale Sondergaard New Orleans lady Shepperd Strudwick Shepperd Strudwick Mr. Stillwell MC Marilyn Clark Mrs. Bennett Nancy Coleman Nancy Coleman Mrs. Stillwell EJ Eva Jessye Julie Robert Kya-Hill Robert Kya-Hill Jericho BA Barbara Ann Teer Esther

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Why Cult

Antebellum Brutality

The film confronts the horrors of slavery head-on, refusing to sanitize the cruelty of plantation life in the 1850s South.

Melodramatic Historical Drama

Slaves blends melodrama with historical detail, offering a narrative that’s as emotionally charged as it is politically pointed.

Notable Cast

Dionne Warwick and Ossie Davis lead a cast that brings depth to the film’s depiction of resilience in the face of oppression.

Independent Film Pedigree

Directed by blacklisted filmmaker Herbert J. Biberman, Slaves carries the spirit of independent cinema and social critique.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Slaves? +

Slaves was directed by Herbert J. Biberman.

How long is Slaves? +

Slaves has a runtime of 110 minutes.

What genre is Slaves? +

Slaves is a drama.

Where can I watch Slaves? +

You can watch Slaves on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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