DeForest Covan, an actor whose career spans the gritty landscape of 1970s and 1980s cult cinema, appears in Black Samson (1974) as a key figure in the blaxploitation genre. He also showcases his versatility in The Incredible Melting Man (1977), where he navigates the bizarre and grotesque world of horror. Covan's work in When a Stranger Calls (1979) and Body and Soul (1981) further cements his role in the exploration of suspense and drama, while The Night Before (1988) highlights his ability to blend genres. His contributions to these films make him a notable figure in the SassyFlix catalog.
Body and Soul
Based on the 1947 classic of the same name, this "entertaining" (The New York Times) rags-to-riches tale about a vivacious young fighter from Chicago pulls no punches in its portrayal of boxings dark side. Featuring the always-animated Muhammad Ali as himself, Body and Soul is "a rousing good time" (LA Herald-Examiner)! Golden Gloves champ Leon (Leon Isaac Kennedy) has no interest in becoming a pro boxer; instead, he wants to be a doctor. But when his little sister requires immediate and expensive medical treatments, he decides to go for the title and all the money it will bring. On his way to the top, however, Leon succumbs to the temptations that come with success: money, flesh, ego. As a result, he begins to lose everyone and everything he used to care about. Can Leon pull his life back together, or is he too far gone to be redeemed?
