Watermelon Man (1970)

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Critic Reviews: 3
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 0

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Release Date: May 27, 1970 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.4/5
User Ratings: 954

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Movie Info

African-American activist and actor Melvin Van Peebles directed this comedy-drama starring Godfrey Cambridge as Jeff Gerber, a white, middle class husband to Althea (Estelle Parson) and father of two who is also a mild bigot. One morning, Jeff wakes up to discover that he has become a black man overnight. After trying in vain to remove his new pigment, Jeff ventures out into the world, only to discover the hostility he once engendered himself. After his neighbors petition to get him out of the

R, 1 hr. 40 min.

Drama, Classics, Comedy

Directed By: Melvin Van Peebles

In Theaters: May 27, 1970 Wide

On DVD: Sep 14, 2004

Cast

Godfrey Cambridge
Jeff Gerber
Estelle Parsons
Althea Gerber
Howard Caine
Mr. Townsend
D'Urville Martin
Bus Driver
Mantan Moreland
Cashier
Kay Kimberly
Erica
Kay E. Kuter
Dr. Wainwright
Ray Ballard
3rd Passenger
Mae Clarke
Rhodie Cogan
Mrs. Johnson
Robert Dagny
2nd Passenger
Scott Garrett
Burton Gerber
Charles Lampkin
Dr. Catlin
Karl Lukas
2nd Policeman
Hazel Medina
Widow
Ralph Montgomery
Drugstore Boss
Erin Moran
Janice Gerber
Lawrence Parke
1st Passenger
Irving Selbst
Mr. Johnson
Emil Sitka
Delivery Man
Frank Farmer
Andy Brandon
Donna Dubrow
Receptionist
Erik Nelson
Doorman
Paul Williams
Employment Office Clerk

Critic Reviews for Watermelon Man

All Critics (7) | Top Critics (2) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (0) | DVD (3)

Problem is it hammers home its point about racism being alive and well in America until it becomes annoyingly repetitive and preachy.

June 21, 2010 Full Review Source: Ozus' World Movie Reviews

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Dennis Schwartz

Ozus' World Movie Reviews

It is not the most stalwart ethnological study of its time, though it is significant for its heritage, its confrontation, and its violation of taboos.

November 20, 2003 Full Review Source: Not Coming to a Theater Near You

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Rumsey Taylor

Not Coming to a Theater Near You

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Audience Reviews for Watermelon Man

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The film Melvin Van Peebles made before he did Sweet Sweetback's Baadassss Song. Set during the 60's/0's race riots, Jeff Gerbler is a white gung-ho, un-self-aware and un-popular insurance-selling family man who wakes up one morning to find he's turned black. Cue panic, surpise, adverse reactions from the neighbours

October 25, 2010