Cleopatra Jones *** (1973, Tamara Dobson, Shelley Winters, Bernie Casey, Brenda Sykes, Antonio Fargas) – Classic Movie Review 9429

‘If you haven’t seen Cleo, you haven’t seen the chick who tops ’em all… She’s 6’2″‘

Director Jack Starrett’s robust 1973 blaxploitation action crime thriller stars Tamara Dobson as Cleopatra Jones, a karate-kicking CIA agent on the trail of some evil drug bosses.

There is enough energy here in this violent Seventies action fantasy, but not much class or originality, and it is hardly a contribution to racial or social harmony.

Shelley Winters is a surprise co-star as a drug pusher called Mommy.

Also in the cast are Bernie Casey, Brenda Sykes, Antonio Fargas as Doodlebug Simkins, Bill McKinney, Dan Frazer, Esther Rolle, Stafford Morgan, Albert Popwell, Caro Kenyatta, Keith Hamilton, John Alderman and Michael Warren [Mike Warren].

The screenplay is by Max Julien and Sheldon Keller, from a story by Max Julien, who is also co-producer.

It is followed by Cleopatra Jones and the Casino of Gold (1975), also with Tamara Dobson.

Cleopatra Jones is directed by Jack Starrett, runs 89 minutes, is made by Warner Bros and William Tennant Production, is released by Warner Bros, is written by Max Julien (screenplay and story) and Sheldon Keller (screenplay), is shot by David M Walsh, is produced by William [Bill] Tennant and Max Julien (co-producer), and is scored by J J Johnson, with Art Direction by Peter Wooley.

It is available on Warner Home Video on VHS (US) and in 2019 on Blu-ray (US).

© Derek Winnert 2020 Classic Movie Review 9429

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