Skip to main content
Comedy Cult Classic

A drycleaner dad confronts family, identity, and plenty of sass in 1970s New York.

NORMAN... IS THAT YOU?

There's a Sexual Revolution Going On... And All the Leaders Are in My Family!

1976 · 1h 31m · PG · Comedy / Drama · IMDB TMDB

Ben and Beatrice Chambers discover that their son Norman is gay and so Ben is intent on setting him right. 

Quick Answer

What is Norman... Is That You? about?

Norman... Is That You? is a 1976 United States comedy-drama film directed by George Schlatter about a father who discovers his son is gay and struggles to accept it.

Programmer's Pick

Redd Foxx and Pearl Bailey bring a punchy blend of comedy and drama to a sex comedy that isn’t afraid to throw family dynamics—and a few cigars—into the mix. Expect a blaxploitation-tinged take on coming out, complete with window dressers, fainting spells, and enough cultural references to keep even Spiro Agnew fans on their toes.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Ben Chambers, a drycleaner facing marriage troubles, is left by his wife Beatrice for his own brother. Seeking solace and a fresh perspective, Ben heads to New York City to visit his son, Norman. There, Ben is surprised to find Norman living openly in a relationship with another man, Garson Hobart. Unwilling to accept his son's sexuality, Ben clumsily attempts to steer Norman toward women, resulting in a series of comedic and awkward situations. The film uses sharp humor and moments of drama to explore generational divides, family expectations, and the journey toward acceptance within a Black American family in the 1970s.

Details & Specs

Director
George Schlatter
Writers
Ron Clark, Sam Bobrick, George Schlatter, Ronald Miller
Release
1976
Runtime
1h 31m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
Genres
Comedy, Drama

Why This Matters

This adaptation of the stage play relocates the story to Los Angeles and reimagines the central family as African American, reflecting changing approaches to representation in 1970s American cinema.
— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

View all →
Director: George Schlatter Writers: Ron Clark +3 more

Explore More

Why Cult

Blaxploitation Flair

The film infuses blaxploitation energy into its comedy-drama formula, spotlighting Black family life and identity in mid-70s New York.

Queer Comedy Premise

A rare 1970s comedy centering on a Black gay son and his parents’ awkward, sometimes hilarious journey toward understanding.

Star Power: Redd Foxx & Pearl Bailey

Redd Foxx and Pearl Bailey anchor the cast, delivering sharp comedic timing as parents navigating uncharted familial territory.

Pop Culture References

From Stan Laurel to Spiro Agnew, the script is peppered with nods to mid-century icons, adding extra texture to the jokes.

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

Who directed Norman... Is That You?? +

Norman... Is That You? was directed by George Schlatter.

How long is Norman... Is That You?? +

Norman... Is That You? has a runtime of 91 minutes.

What genre is Norman... Is That You?? +

Norman... Is That You? is a comedy-drama.

Where can I watch Norman... Is That You?? +

Norman... Is That You? is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Trailers & Clips