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Action Cult Classic

A nightclub owner is caught between militant revolutionaries and the mob in 1970s Los Angeles.

BLACK GUNN

For every drop of black blood spilled...A white man pays.

1972 · 1h 37m · R · Action / Crime / Thriller · IMDB TMDB

A successful and popular nightclub owner who believes financial independence is the path to equality and success, must act as a go-between for militant-minded brother and the white gang syndicate his brother has attacked and robbed. Their involvements lead to a breathless race course chase, the destruction of a dopepusher and a violent waterfront climax.

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Vault Note

Jim Brown never needed a cape to take on the mob—just a nightclub and a mean right hook.

Programmer's Pick

Jim Brown brings gravitas as Gunn, the nightclub owner forced into the crossfire between his radical brother and the mob. Robert Hartford-Davis lines up gun-toting action, mafia showdowns, and a waterfront climax dripping with early '70s blaxploitation flavor. Come for the social tension, stay for the race course chase and the demolition of a dopepusher.

— SassyFlix Programmer
Quick Answer
What is Black Gunn about?

Black Gunn is a 1972 United Kingdom/United States action, crime, and thriller film directed by Robert Hartford-Davis about a nightclub owner navigating conflict between his militant brother's gang and the mafia after a high-stakes robbery in Los Angeles.

Details & Specs
Director
Robert Hartford-Davis
Writers
Robert Shearer, Robert Hartford-Davis, Franklin Coen
Release
1972
Runtime
1h 37m
Country
United Kingdom, United States of America
Language
English
Also Known As
Schwarzes Dynamit

Synopsis

In Los Angeles, a nighttime robbery of an illegal mafia bookmaking operation is carried out by the militant African-American organization BAG (Black Action Group). Though successful, several of the bookmakers and one of the burglars are killed. The mastermind behind the robbery, a Vietnam veteran named Scott, is the brother of a prominent nightclub owner, Gunn. Seeking safe haven, Scott hides out at his brother's mansion after a brief reunion.

Meanwhile, mafia caporegime and used-car dealer Russ Capelli (Martin Landau) meets with a female West Coast crime boss, Toni Lombardo, to report the theft of daily payoff records and monies. Though Capelli receives an unrelated promotion for years of loyal service, he nonetheless fears the consequences of a loss of face and status as well as incriminating mob financial information. He therefore orders his men, led by psychotic assassin Ray Kriley , to shake down anyone who might have a connection to the robbery and to recover the lost goods using any means necessary.

Why Cult

Blaxploitation Edge

This film taps into the blaxploitation wave, serving up social commentary with style and action to match.

Mafia vs. Militants

Watch as a militant African-American group takes on a mafia syndicate, sparking a web of alliances and betrayals.

Jim Brown Leads

NFL legend Jim Brown anchors the cast as Gunn, navigating both family loyalty and the criminal underworld.

Action-Packed Finale

Brace yourself for a breathless race course chase and a violent waterfront climax that delivers the genre goods.

Trailer

Scene Gallery

Questions from the Vault

What is Black Gunn about? +

Black Gunn centers on a Los Angeles nightclub owner who becomes embroiled in conflict after his militant brother's gang robs the mafia, setting off a dangerous confrontation between organized crime and revolutionary forces.

When was Black Gunn released? +

Black Gunn was released in 1972.

Who directed Black Gunn? +

Black Gunn was directed by Robert Hartford-Davis.

How long is Black Gunn? +

Black Gunn has a runtime of 97 minutes.

What genre is Black Gunn? +

Black Gunn is an action, crime, and thriller film.

Where can I watch Black Gunn? +

Black Gunn is available to stream on SassyFlix.

Themes & Keywords

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