The Emperor Jones (1933) (1933)
Average Rating: 7.4/10
Reviews Counted: 6
Fresh: 5 | Rotten: 1
No consensus yet.
Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 2
Fresh: 2 | Rotten: 0
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
Jan 1, 1933 Wide
Nov 25, 2003
American Pop Classics
Watch It Now
Cast
-
Paul Robeson
Brutus Jones -
Dudley Digges
Smithers -
Frank Wilson
Jeff -
Fredi Washington
Undine -
Ruby Elzy
Dolly -
-
Jackie Mayble
Marcella -
Blueboy O'Connor
Treasurer -
Brandon Evans
Carrington -
Rex Ingram
Court Crier -
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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.
Top CriticPaul Robeson gives one of his greatest film performances in this arty, dated, but interesting 1933 adaptation of Eugene O'Neill's play.
A great performance from the legendary African-American singer Paul Robeson.
The Emperor Jones bludgeoned through color barriers.
Robeson's powerful presence, particularly through his wonderful, mellifluous voice, dominates each scene.
Despite its marked deficiencies ... remains a "must see" for historic and cultural purposes
Audience Reviews for The Emperor Jones (1933)
Super Reviewer
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.
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