Big Screen Classics: SUPERFLY
Monday and Wednesday at the Alamo Ritz
Advance tickets available here

With a very special guest, crew member and brother of the director David Parks, to share some of his memories of the making of this film.

For years Hollywood gave little thought to black audiences. Theaters in African American neighborhoods mainly played second run action and western films. But when Melvin Van Peebles hit the jackpot with SWEET SWEETBACK'S BAADASSSSS SONG, and particularly when MGM was saved from imminent bankruptcy by SHAFT, producers took notice. SUPERFLY was made by indie producer Sig Shore and director Gordon Parks Jr. Unlike a lot of the blaxploitation product coming from the studios, SUPERFLY worked and truly spoke the language of the streets. A lot of the credit goes to star Ron O'Neal, who really gives it his all as Cadillac-driving, womanizing, fur-coat clad coke dealer Priest. He's determined to get ahead and live the high life even though the cards are stacked against him. Priest's story arc is like a classical tragedy set in the penthouses and back alleys of New York. Like few other soundtracks before or since, Curtis Mayfield's brilliant songs set the tone and provide a kind of funky Greek chorus - a sort of counterpoint to Super Fly's deeds. This is a film you must see with an audience to truly appreciate. Be there.

Get your tickets here