Join host Andy Nelson and Boston Globe film critic Odie Henderson for an electrifying exploration of Blaxploitation cinema, a revolutionary film movement that burst onto screens in the early 1970s. From its groundbreaking portrayal of Black heroes to its unforgettable soundtracks, this episode dives deep into how Blaxploitation challenged Hollywood's status quo and left an indelible mark on American cinema.
The Birth and Impact of Blaxploitation
Through detailed discussion of seminal films like Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song, Shaft, and Super Fly, Henderson illuminates how these movies created unprecedented opportunities for Black talent both in front of and behind the camera. The conversation explores how Gordon Parks Jr., Melvin Van Peebles, and other pioneering filmmakers crafted a new visual and narrative language that continues to influence cinema today.
Iconic Performances and Soundtracks
The episode highlights how stars like Pam Grier in Coffy and Max Julien in The Mack redefined Black representation on screen, while legendary musicians like Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes created soundtracks that became cultural touchstones. In the member bonus segment, we discuss five additional influential films: Cotton Comes to Harlem, Blacula, Black Caesar, The Spook Who Sat by the Door, and Cornbread, Earl and Me, along with listener questions.
Though the movement's peak was brief, its impact on American cinema and popular culture remains profound. Henderson shares insights from his book Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema, offering a thoughtful examination of both the movement's achievements and its controversies. Through engaging storytelling and expert analysis, this episode celebrates how Blaxploitation forever changed the landscape of American film.

Film Sundries

• Watch this episode on YouTube
• Read Odie Henderson’s reviews at The Boston Globe
• Find Odie on LinkedIn, Instagram and BlueSky
• Check out Odie’s book Black Caesars and Foxy Cleopatras: A History of Blaxploitation Cinema
• Recommended and Discussed Movies
• • Sweet Sweetback’s Baadassss Song on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • Shaft on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • Super Fly on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • Coffy on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • The Mack on the web and Letterboxd
  • Cotton Comes to Harlem on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • Blacula on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • The Spook Who Sat by the Door on YouTube and Letterboxd
  • Black Caesar on Apple, Amazon, and Letterboxd
  • Cornbread, Earl and Me on YouTube and Letterboxd
• Our Letterboxd List
• Watch Bill Duke talk about The Spook Who Sat by the Door on Trailers from Hell