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The Emperor Jones (1933)

The Emperor Jones (1933) (1933)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 2
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 0

audience

49

liked it
Average Rating: 3.3/5
User Ratings: 418

My Rating

Movie Info

Adapted by DuBose Heyward from a Eugene O'Neill play, Emperor Jones is one of Paul Robeson's earliest and most powerful leading roles. Railroad porter Brutus Jones (Robeson) leaves his girlfriend Dolly (Ruby Elzy) in favor of Undine (Fredi Washington), but he soon leaves her too. Brutus is a master manipulator, liar, and swindler who murders his friend Jeff (Frank Wilson) over a crap game. He ends up on a chain gang, but escapes to Haiti where the white trader Smithers (Dudley Digges) buys his

Unrated,

Drama, Classics

DuBose Heyward

Nov 25, 2003

American Pop Classics

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All Critics (6) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (5) | Rotten (1)

It is a distinguished offering, resolute and firm, with a most compelling portrayal by Paul Robeson.

October 16, 2007 Full Review Source: New York Times
New York Times
Top Critic IconTop Critic

Paul Robeson gives one of his greatest film performances in this arty, dated, but interesting 1933 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play.

October 16, 2007 Full Review Source: Chicago Reader
Chicago Reader
Top Critic IconTop Critic

A great performance from the legendary African-American singer Paul Robeson.

January 21, 2008 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Ozus' World Movie Reviews

The Emperor Jones bludgeoned through color barriers.

October 16, 2007 Full Review Source: Q Network Film Desk
Q Network Film Desk

Robeson's powerful presence, particularly through his wonderful, mellifluous voice, dominates each scene.

October 16, 2007 Full Review Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide
TV Guide's Movie Guide

Despite its marked deficiencies ... remains a "must see" for historic and cultural purposes

March 4, 2007 Full Review Source: Old School Reviews

Audience Reviews for The Emperor Jones (1933)

I didn't watch the whole movie, I got bored. If you want to see a good old African American film, you may find this one interesting, but other than that, it's kind of boring.
September 3, 2010
ajv2688

Super Reviewer

"I'll take this blooming nigger off your hands for you, your highness. Here, here's five silver dollars for him, lock, stock and barrel."-Smithers (Dudley Digges)

If that sounds racist to you, it's because it is. If you were to take a shot every time the 'N' word was muttered, you'd finish off a handle of liquor easy. But hey, I guess the film is an important installment of American culture. I also found it to be slightly boring myself.
September 29, 2011
FilmGrinder S.
FilmGrinder Stone
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