Cotton Comes to Harlem

Cotton Comes to Harlem is a 1970 American action-comedy film prominently featuring Godfrey Cambridge, Raymond St. Jacques, and Calvin Lockhart. It was directed and co-written by Ossie Davis, derived from Chester Himes' 1965 novel bearing the same title. This movie combines elements of comedy, action, and drama to create an interesting portrayal of crime scenes in the streets of Harlem.

The plot is centered on the two New York City police detectives – the characters played by Cambridge and St. Jacques, named Gravedigger Jones and Coffin Ed Johnson, respectively. They are tasked with overseeing the turbulent Harlem neighborhood. The duo is famed for their hardened attitudes and is renowned in the neighborhood due to their relentless stand against crime. The pair thugs are nothing short of iconic when it comes to depicting African-American characters in cinema, and their chemistry, laced with wit and a dash of humor, provide the movie with a brilliant pace and tone.

Calvin Lockhart stars as Reverend Deke O'Malley, an articulate and charismatic preacher-planner with dubious intentions. He runs a scheme known as 'Back to Africa' movement and convinces his followers to invest $1,000, assuring them of a spot on a flight back to Africa, an escape from their life of misery. The role of a fast-talking preacher swindling the community out of their hard-earned cash is seeped in realism, with Lockhart delivering an absolutely arresting performance.

One day during a rally for the community, a bale of cotton lying in a truck is stolen. This cherishable commodity is symbolic and serves as an intriguing narrative device throughout the movie. The bale of cotton is revealed to contain $87,000 – money that was collected from the community and was supposed to be used for their resettlement in Africa. From there, the film revolves around the quest of the two detectives to recover the stolen money and bring the culprits to justice, thus saving their community from devastation.

The characters of Jones and Johnson are meticulously developed, and it is through their journey that viewers get a glimpse of the societal issues prevalent during the time. The film's narrative highlights themes like institutional corruption, systemic racism, and the exploitation of the black community. However, it does so with humor and grace, making it a commentary that is effective while also being entertaining.

While Cotton Comes to Harlem resonates with hard-hitting parallels to racial discrimination and its effects, the movie doesn't shy away from showcasing the essence of the Harlem community and their indefatigable spirit. The movie also excels in creating a rich visual spectacle, capturing the grit and the glamor of Harlem in its unique color scheme.

Godfrey Cambridge, as Gravedigger Jones, breathes life into his character with a sublime act, simultaneously displaying toughness, and a profound sense of justice in maintaining peace in the community. Raymond St. Jacques also brought to the forefront his exceptional acting chops as Coffin Ed Johnson, portraying the right mix of toughness and humor.

Cotton Comes to Harlem also presents a scintillating soundtrack, the work of Galt MacDermot, which deserves a special mention for enhancing the narrative flow. With its mix of admirable performances, tight script, well-placed humor, and a captivating storyline, the movie emerged as one of the significant Blaxploitation films of the era.

In a nutshell, Cotton Comes to Harlem is a compelling blend of action, comedy, and social commentary. The movie's narrative is both entertaining and thought-provoking, shedding light on complex social issues while also keeping viewers thoroughly amused all the way. The film effectively captures the spirit of the time, presenting a valuable perspective on the realities of Harlem life in the 70s.