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Drama Cult Classic

A high school romance collides with race, rebellion, and a kilo of marijuana in early '70s America.

HONKY

A love story...of hate

1971 · 1h 32m · R · Drama / Romance · IMDB TMDB

Sheila, a 17-year old, super-cute, afro-styled, pot smoking, drug dealing, teenage juvenile delinquent from an affluent black family, begins dating a working class white teen, Wayne, and asks him for help to sell a kilo of marijuana.

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Quick Answer

What is Honky about?

Honky is a 1971 American drama-romance film directed by William A. Graham about a white working-class teen and a black affluent girl whose relationship is tested by racial tensions, family pressures, and a risky drug deal.

Programmer's Pick

Honky serves up high school romance with a heavy side of '70s social tension—and a kilo or two of weed for seasoning. If you like your coming-of-age stories with a dose of hixploitation and the sting of blaxploitation, this one's ready to light up your screen.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

At Calvin Coolidge High School, Wayne Divine, a white student from a working-class background, finds himself instantly drawn to Shelia Smith, a black student from an affluent family. Their budding romance faces immediate scrutiny and hostility from both black and white peers. As they grow closer, Shelia introduces Wayne to marijuana and pulls him into her world, which includes a proposal to help her finance a drug deal. Wayne grapples with his father's bigoted attitudes and his own sense of direction, while Shelia appears both alluring and unpredictable. Set against the backdrop of early 1970s America, the film navigates the minefields of race, class, and youthful rebellion, capturing the complexities of an interracial relationship shadowed by social and familial disapproval.

Details & Specs

Director
William A. Graham
Writers
Will Chaney, Gunard Solberg
Release
1971
Runtime
1h 32m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Drama, Romance

Why This Matters

Honky was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song and stands out for its depiction of an interracial high school romance, reflecting social tensions of its era.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: William A. Graham Writers: Will Chaney +1 more
Brenda Sykes Brenda Sykes Shelia Smith John Neilson John Neilson Wayne 'Honky' Divine Maia Danziger Maia Danziger Sharon Lincoln Kilpatrick Lincoln Kilpatrick Fabulous Traveling Shoes John Lasell John Lasell Archer Divine William Marshall William Marshall Dr. Craig Smith Marion Ross Marion Ross Mrs. Divine Amentha Dymally Amentha Dymally Mrs. Smith Glynn Turman Glynn Turman Sailor at Bus Station John Hillerman John Hillerman Bus Ticket Salesman Matt Clark Matt Clark Virgil BP Belinda Palmer Tony Colti Tony Colti John Fiedler John Fiedler Elliott Street Elliott Street Ivor Francis Ivor Francis PS Paul Sorensen JN Jeff Nauser Ted Gehring Ted Gehring KS Ken Sylk JS Joe Spaulding Jerry Brutsche Jerry Brutsche RL Richard Laurence ES Ethelyn Smith DD Debbie Duff EB Ephthallia Banks BM Bellyejo Miller WE William Eichinger

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Why Cult

Interracial Rebellion

The film fearlessly tackles an interracial teen romance, sparking tension on all sides and spotlighting the era's racial divides.

Blaxploitation/Hixploitation Mix

A rare blend of blaxploitation and hixploitation genres, mixing family drama, drug deals, and culture clash in equal measure.

Drug Deal Drive

Marijuana isn't just a backdrop—it's a plot driver, pulling the leads into risky territory and testing their loyalties.

Generation Gap Drama

Parental clashes and generational disconnects fuel the drama, capturing the period's simmering family tensions.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

When was Honky released? +

Honky was released in 1971.

Who directed Honky? +

Honky was directed by William A. Graham.

How long is Honky? +

Honky has a runtime of 92 minutes.

What genre is Honky? +

Honky is a drama and romance film.

Where can I watch Honky? +

Honky is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips

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