Together Brothers
Together Brothers: An Overview
Together Brothers is a 1974 American crime drama film that has gained recognition for its place within the blaxploitation genre. Written by Jack DeWitt and Joe Greene and directed by William A. Graham, the film stars a cast of relative unknowns, including Ahmad Nurradin, Anthony Wilson, Ed Bernard, Lincoln Kilpatrick, Glynn Turman, Richard Yniguez, and Angela Gibbs. Premiering in August 1974 in New York City, Together Brothers not only tells a gripping story but also features a soundtrack produced and written by the legendary Barry White. Notably, this film is the only one for which White composed a complete musical score.
Plot Summary
The narrative centers around Mr. Kool, a respected policeman patrolling one of Galveston’s toughest neighborhoods—the ghetto. Known for his understanding yet firm demeanor, Mr. Kool has garnered the trust of the community. Among his followers is a teenage gang known as the “Dudes,” led by H.J., with members including Monk, A.P., Mau Mau, Gri Gri, and H.J.’s younger brother Tommy, who is an unofficial member of the gang. The Dudes often hang out in an abandoned train freight warehouse, where Mr. Kool occasionally visits to reprimand them for minor law infractions.
The plot takes a dark turn one night when Tommy witnesses Mr. Kool being murdered by an unidentified gunman. Following the traumatic event, Tommy is left mute from shock. With the community in mourning and the funeral of Mr. Kool looming, H.J. and Mama Wes take it upon themselves to help Tommy recover his voice while also vowing to seek vengeance for their fallen mentor.
The gang devises a plan to infiltrate the police station to access files related to Mr. Kool’s case with the assistance of Vega. Their investigation leads them to suspect two individuals from their neighborhood—Billy Most and Maria—who are later discovered to have deeper connections to the murder than initially thought. As the Dudes navigate through clues and threats, they find themselves embroiled in a web of violence and betrayal that ultimately tests their loyalty and courage.
Cultural Significance and Themes
Together Brothers stands out in its portrayal of LGBTQ characters within the blaxploitation genre, which often marginalized or stereotyped such identities. Film critic Wes Lawson noted that while Billy and Maria could be viewed as stereotypes—characterized as drag queens with exaggerated mannerisms—they are also among the most fully developed gay characters in blaxploitation films at that time. This portrayal reflects a nuanced approach to character development that diverges from traditional depictions common in earlier films.
The film encapsulates themes of brotherhood, cooperation, and community resilience in the face of adversity. It advocates for unity rather than vigilante justice while simultaneously navigating complex societal issues such as crime and racial tension in urban settings during the 1970s.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Together Brothers received mixed reviews from critics. Lawrence Van Gelder described it as a film “with its heart in the right place,” despite acknowledging that it was retelling an old story without particularly exceptional execution. Other reviews echoed similar sentiments about its script quality and direction but praised its efforts to tackle relevant themes.
Dayton Daily News remarked on the cast’s performance despite their lack of familiarity with acting and noted that director William A. Graham managed to elicit strong performances from his relatively unknown actors. DVD Talk highlighted the film’s realistic dialogue and lived-in appearance, which contributed positively to the viewing experience.
Newsday referred to it as a “tolerable picture” with integrity within the black-exploitation genre—a notable compliment given the genre’s typical treatment of its subjects. Critics like Ann Guarino from New York Daily News emphasized Graham’s ability to capture the tense ambiance of ghetto life effectively through convincing character portrayals.
The Soundtrack
Barry White’s involvement in Together Brothers extended beyond just being a soundtrack producer; he wrote and produced all tracks on the album except one song co-written with Gene Page. Released in July 1974 by 20th Century Fox Records, the soundtrack featured additional vocals from Love Unlimited and The Love Unlimited Orchestra. Notably, this album peaked at number 96 on the Billboard Top 200 chart and reached number 33 on R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.
Despite White’s initial reservations about the film’s importance—stating that he was led to believe it was significant—he later acknowledged that while the movie did not perform particularly well at the box office, its accompanying soundtrack achieved platinum status. AllMusic’s review noted that White’s signature romantic soul style permeated many tracks on the album, blending ghetto narratives with lush arrangements that offset some weaker moments.
Conclusion
Together Brothers remains an intriguing entry into both blaxploitation cinema and LGBTQ representation during the 1970s era of filmmaking. While it may not have achieved significant mainstream success upon its release, its exploration of complex themes surrounding community dynamics and representation has allowed it to retain relevance over time. The film’s soundtrack further showcases Barry White’s talent beyond his usual role as a performer, contributing significantly to this unique cinematic experience.
In retrospect, Together Brothers serves as both a reflection of its time and a transitional piece within film history that challenged existing narratives about race, identity, and masculinity in American cinema.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).