Martin G. Goldman, an influential figure in cult cinema, directed and wrote The Legend of Nigger Charley (1972), a film that explores themes of survival and resilience in a racially charged landscape. He further showcased his directorial prowess with Dark August (1976), where he delved into the eerie and unsettling aspects of revenge. Goldman's work is characterized by its raw storytelling and a willingness to confront challenging subjects, making his films significant contributions to the exploitation genre and essential viewing for fans of SassyFlix.
The Legend of Nigger Charley
The opening scene includes Charley as a baby with his mother Theo in Africa. The two are forced into slavery. Twenty years later, Charley kills an abusive plantation owner and flees with his two friends, Joshua and Toby. As they run away from the slave catchers, the trio experience racism, standoffs and romance, specifically in a small town. After Joshua is killed in a standoff against the town's outlaw, the film ends with Charley and Toby leaving the town to continue traveling with no destination. According to the reviewer in the New York Times, "For all the feverish activity, there has yet to be a film of rounded merit—one of skill, imagination and impact—about the black man and the Old West.
