Mandingo

views updated

Mandingo ★★ 1975 (R)

Overheated Southern-fried tale of slavery in the Deep South, circa 1840, dealing with the tangled loves and hates of a family and their slaves. Heavyweight boxer Norton made his screen debut in the title role as the slave who makes his master money with his boxing prowess. King is the wastrel son who makes Norton's wife, another slave, his mistress. Followed by 1975's “Drum.” Based on the novel by Kyle On-stott. 127m/C VHS . James Mason, Susan George, Perry King, Richard Ward, Ken Norton, Ben Masters, Brenda Sykes, Paul Benedict, Ji-Tu Cumbuka; D: Richard Fleischer; W: Richard H. Kline, Norman Wexler; M: Maurice Jarre.