Cooley High (1975) – AFI Movie Club Synopsis: Cooley High is a coming-of-age classic that follows the lives of four African American teenagers living in the Cabrini-Green housing projects in Chicago in the 1960s. As they navigate the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and racism, they learn valuable lessons about life and themselves. Cast: * Glynn Turman as Preach * Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs as Cochise * Garrett Morris as Mr. Cooley * Norma Donaldson as Evans * Cynthia Bostick as Cookie * Fred Williamson as Mr. Pettibone Director: Michael Schultz Awards and Accolades: * Nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Supporting Actor for Garrett Morris * Won the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy * Selected for preservation in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress Themes: Cooley High explores themes of: * Coming of age: The film follows the characters as they transition from childhood to adulthood, facing challenges that shape their identities. * Friendship: The unbreakable bond between the four friends is a central element of the story, providing support and strength in difficult times. * Race and prejudice: The film depicts the racism and discrimination faced by African Americans in the 1960s, highlighting its impact on their lives. * Education: The film emphasizes the importance of education as a means of breaking down barriers and achieving success. Legacy: Cooley High has become a beloved and influential film in American cinema. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of Black youth, its powerful performances, and its timeless themes. The film has also inspired numerous other films and television shows that have explored similar topics. AFI Movie Club Selection: Cooley High is one of the films selected by the American Film Institute (AFI) for its Movie Club, a program that promotes the enjoyment and discussion of classic American films. The film is available for free streaming on the AFI website.COOLEY HIGH (1975) – AFI Movie Club
COOLEY HIGH (1975) – AFI Movie Club Cooley High, a coming-of-age classic released in 1975, transports us to the vibrant streets of Chicago’s South Side in the 1960s. The film follows the story of Preach (Glynn Turman) and Cochise (Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), two high school seniors navigating the challenges and triumphs of adolescence. Surrounded by a group of loyal friends, they confront the realities of race, poverty, and the pursuit of dreams. Cooley High is a poignant and humorous exploration of black life in America. Through its authentic characters and rich dialogue, the film offers a powerful commentary on racial tensions, social injustice, and the resilience of the human spirit. Director Michael Schultz and screenwriter Eric Monte create an unforgettable cinematic experience that celebrates the camaraderie of friendship and the importance of finding one’s place in the world. The film’s realism is complemented by a soulful soundtrack featuring timeless tracks from Earth, Wind & Fire, The Staple Singers, and others. Cooley High was a critical and commercial success upon its release, cementing its status as a defining film of the Blaxploitation era. It earned an AFI Movie Club Top 100 spot and continues to resonate with audiences today. The film’s enduring legacy lies in its timeless themes and the enduring performances of its cast. Turman and Hilton-Jacobs deliver breakout performances that capture the essence of their characters’ vulnerability, humor, and determination. Cooley High is a must-see for anyone interested in African American cinema, coming-of-age stories, or simply the power of cinema to reflect and inspire.
Cooley High (1975) – AFI Movie Club Summary: Cooley High is a 1975 American coming-of-age comedy-drama film directed by Michael Schultz and produced by John A. Fierro. The film follows the lives of four African American teenagers in Chicago during the 1960s. Plot: Preach (Glynn Turman) is the leader of the group, who is trying to find his identity and place in the world. Cochise (Robert Townsend) is the intellectual of the group, who is struggling with his own identity and sexuality. Roosevelt (Norman Fell) is the funny and carefree member of the group, who is always trying to get a laugh. Tyrone (Garrett Morris) is the rebellious member of the group, who is always getting into trouble. Reception: Cooley High was a critical and commercial success. The film was praised for its realistic portrayal of the lives of young African Americans, and for its authentic and humorous dialogue. The film was also nominated for two Academy Awards, for Best Original Screenplay and Best Original Song. Legacy: Cooley High is considered to be one of the most important films of the blaxploitation era. The film helped to change the way that African Americans were portrayed in American cinema, and it paved the way for other successful black-themed films. The film has also been praised for its cultural impact, and for its role in shaping the identity of young African Americans. AFI Movie Club: Cooley High is part of the AFI Movie Club, a program that offers free screenings of classic and contemporary films. The AFI Movie Club is a great way to experience great films, and to learn more about the history of cinema.
