The Bus Is Coming Explained

The Bus Is Coming
Ghetto Revenge
Starring:
  • Mike B. Simms
  • Burl Bullock
Music:Tom McIntosh
Cinematography:Mike Rhodes
Editing:Donald R. Rode
Studio:K-Calb Productions
Director:Wendell James Franklin
Producer:Horace Jackson
Herbert H. Dow
Distributor:William Thompson Productions Incorporated
Runtime:107 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English

The Bus Is Coming (also known as Ghetto Revenge) is a 1971 American drama film written by Horace Jackson. The film is directed by Wendell James Franklin and stars Mike B. Simms and Burl Bullock.[1]

Plot

The film is about the death of a prominent Black community member Joe Mitchell, who served on the school board. "The Black Fist," a local black power political organization wants to hold a rally in response to Mitchell's death because the "town must pay it's dues". Billy Mitchell, Joe's brother returns from the Vietnam War and investigates Joe's death. He becomes aware of a gang of racist cops, and eventually joins The Black Fist group to seek revenge.

Cast

Reception

Howard Thompson of The New York Times called the film "strong, probing and impressively balanced".[2] TV Guide wrote that the film "manages to address the racial issues while telling an interesting, albeit melodramatic story."[3]

Richard Leary of The Village Voice called the acting "amateurish", the direction "pedestrian", and the production "shoe-string".[4] John Little of The Pittsburgh Press called the film "angry" and wrote that "the anger overcomes the effort".[5] Sharon Scott of The Pittsburgh Courier wrote a negative review of the film.[6]

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: Walker, David . Reflections on Blaxploitation: Actors and Directors Speak . Rausch . Andrew J. . Watson . Chris . 2009 . Scarecrow Press . 978-0-8108-6706-2 . 199 . en.
  2. Web site: The Bus Is Coming' Is Engrossing. Thompson. Howard. 20 November 1971. The New York Times. 19 September 2022.
  3. Web site: The Bus Is Coming Reviews. TV Guide. 19 September 2022.
  4. Web site: 'They shall rise up like eagles'. Leary. Richard. 16 December 1971. The Village Voice. 19 September 2022.
  5. Web site: 'Bus' Runs Gamut Of Town's Racism. Little. John. 4 January 1972. The Pittsburgh Press. 19 September 2022.
  6. Web site: 'The Bus Is Coming'. Scott. Sharon. 4 December 1971. The Pittsburgh Courier. 19 September 2022.