This 1977 drama by Phillip Hayes Dean, deals with the sad division between what a man hopes for and what he achieves. In the title role, Dick Anthony Williams portrays a naïve, ambitious, recklessly optimistic man who is not understood by those closest to him and who finds himself in difficulty because of his unrealistic hopes.
Acting
Dick Anthony Williams carries crushing hope in every gesture.
Writing
Dean's play-to-screen adaptation preserves theatrical emotional density.
Direction
Lloyd Richards lets silences scream louder than dialogue.
Director
Lloyd Richards
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Adapted from Dean's 1973 play, this film emerged from the Black Arts Movement's push for authentic Black theatrical voices.
Director Lloyd Richards later became the first Black director on Broadway with 'A Raisin in the Sun' — this was his only feature film.
US
