Good Guys Wear Black
| Good Guys Wear Black | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Ted Post |
| Screenplay by | Bruce Cohn Mark Medoff |
| Story by | Joseph Fraley |
| Produced by | Allan F. Bodoh |
| Starring | Chuck Norris Anne Archer Lloyd Haynes Dana Andrews Jim Backus James Franciscus |
| Cinematography | Robert Steadman |
| Edited by | Millie Moore William Moore |
| Music by | Craig Safan |
Production companies | Action One Film Partners, LTD Mar Vista Productions Western Film Productions |
| Distributed by | American Cinema Releasing |
Release date |
|
Running time | 96 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1 million[1] |
| Box office | $18.3 million (United States)[2][3] |
Good Guys Wear Blackis a 1978 Americanmartial artsaction filmstarringChuck Norrisand directed byTed Post.[4][5]This was the second film to feature Norris as the star, followingBreaker! Breaker!(1977).[6]However, this is the one that Norris considers his "breakthrough".[7]
Following years ofkung fu filmimports fromHong Kong action cinemaduring the 1970s, most notablyBruce Leefilms followed byBruceploitationflicks,Good Guys Wear Blacklaunched Chuck Norris as the first successful homegrown American martial arts star, having previously been best known for his film debut as a villain in Bruce Lee'sWay of the Dragon(1972).Good Guys Wear Blackdistinguished itself from earlier martial arts films with its distinctly American setting, characters, themes, andpolitics,a formula which Norris continued with the similarly successfulForce of One(1979).[5]The film featured a first screen appearance by Norris' brotherAaron Norrisand the final appearance ofLloyd Haynes.[8]
Plot[edit]
In 1973,United States SenatorConrad Morgan (James Franciscus), the chief delegate diplomat in negotiating the terms of the end of theVietnam War,made a deal in Paris with Kuong Yen; a North Vietnamese negotiator. The deal called for Yen to release certain keyCIAPOWsin exchange for Morgan setting up a death-trap for anelitegroup of CIAassassins,known as the Black Tigers. The treaty was signed and the Black Tigers were sent into the Vietnam jungle to their unwitting demise, having incorrectly been told that they were on a mission to liberate American POWs. However, the negotiators failed to account for one thing: the commandos' team leader was Major John T. Booker (Chuck Norris). Despite all odds, Booker survives, as do the four men wise enough to have remained in his general vicinity.
Five years after returning fromVietnam,Booker, now living in Los Angeles, is working as apolitical scienceprofessor atUCLA,and with a hobby of race-car driving. At UCLA, Booker lectures on how the war should not have happened, and that the U.S.should not have been involved.Sitting in on one of his lectures is a bright female reporter named Margaret (Anne Archer) who has some very specific questions about the botched rescue mission. To their shock, someone is slowly killing all the surviving members of thespecial forces team.
Booker is suddenly thrown back into his past when Morgan's appointment asSecretary of Statespurs Yen to blackmail his ex-negotiations buddy into making good on his unfinished deal: the extermination of the Black Tigers.
Cast[edit]
- Chuck Norrisas Major John T. Booker, The Black Tigers
- Anne Archeras Margaret
- James Franciscusas Senator Conrad Morgan
- Lloyd Haynesas Murray Saunders
- Dana Andrewsas Edgar Harolds
- Jim Backusas Albert, The Apartment Doorman
- Lawrence P. Caseyas Mike Potter, The Black Tigers
- Anthony Mannino as Gordie Jones, The Black Tigers
- Soon-Tek Ohas Major Mhin Van Thieu, The Black Tigers
- Joe Bennett as Lou Goldberg, The Black Tigers
- Jerry Douglasas Joe Walker, The Black Tigers
- Stack Pierceas Holly Washington, The Black Tigers
- Michael Payne as Mitch, The Black Tigers
- David Starwalt as Steagle, The Black Tigers
- Aaron Norrisas Al, The Black Tigers
- Don Pike as Hank, The Black Tigers
- Benjamin J. Perry as Finney, The Black Tigers
- Kathy McCullen as Kelly
- Michael Stark as Pitman
- James Baconas Senator
- Hatsuo Uda as Shoeshine Man
- Virginia Wing as Mrs. Mhin Van Thieu
- Viola Harrisas Airline Ticket Agent
- Jacki Robins as Fat Lady
- Pat E. Johnsonas CIA Agent
- Warren Smith as James, Morgan's Chauffeur
- Dick Shoemaker as Newscaster
Production[edit]
Norris had been offered a number ofkaratefilms but turned them down because he did not want to be limited. "Bruce Leemovies were all karate with a little story thrown in. I want to have a story with some karate scenes. "[9]
Norris said a friend wrote the script from a storyline he devised with one of his students.[3]"My country wasn't built on sacrificing people to expedite principles", said Norris.[10]
Norris said he "peddled" the script "all over Hollywood. The night before I was to meet this producer – I'd gone through everyone; he was the last – I thought, 'What can I say to this guy that I haven't said to everyone that's turned me down?' I went to bed, and about 2 o'clock in the morning, the answer popped into my head. And when I met the producer, he asked me the same question the others asked, 'Chuck, why will this movie make money?' And I said, 'First of all, there's four million karate people in America. They all know who I am. And if only half of them go to the movie, that's a $6 million gross on a $1 million budget.' And he said, 'Sounds good to me'."[11]
The film was produced by Allan Bodoh, Mitchell Cannold and Michael Leone. Bodoh ran Mar Vista Productions, who in a two-year period madeDirt,Acapulco Gold,DogsandThe Great Smokey Roadblock.[12][13]
Norris said during filming that he compared "Breaker! Breaker!with Clint Eastwood'sA Fistful of DollarsandGood Guys Wear BlackwithDirty Harry."[9]
Filming started in May 1977.[14]There was an excellent support cast including Dana Andrews. "I do one film a year just to keep my hand in", said Andrews.[15]
"I want to be as big in the movie industry as I've been in the karate industry", said Norris. "" I know I can do it because I've got the faith to do it. "[9]
Norris said his character of Booker "had more feeling than the Clint Eastwood characters. Booker's sensitive, caring about people, but if pushed he can take care of the situation. That's like me. I'm an easy going guy but in the ring I have a fanatical desire to win. I want Booker to be someone people can relate to, a hero to worship. Take Bruce Lee, who was an Oriental but able to pull Caucasians. I'm taking a little from Eastwood, a little from Lee, and a little special effects from James Bond. John T Booker is someone moviegoers can emulate, to be that kind of person, a guy who doesn't push his weight around, an easygoing person who can be dangerous."[9] Chuck Norris had a long dialogue scene with James Franciscus about the Vietnam War. Steve McQueen, who Norris knew, saw it and advised Norris to let support characters take care of the exposition, "then when there's something important to say, you say it."[16]"Let the co-stars do the b.s. dialogue", Norris says McQueen told him. "I do it. Eastwood does it. Bronson does it."[3]
Norris later stated:
The film was having trouble getting distribution, so the producers decided to distribute it themselves, renting theaters in individual cities around the country for a flat fee and pocketing the box-office receipts I traveled with them, opening from cities to hamlets, talking with folks and promoting the film any way I could. Many critics panned that film, but the public embraced it. They filled those theaters and launched my movie career.[17]
Release[edit]
Rating[edit]
The film was originally rated R but Norris lobbied successfully to have it changed to PG. "My argument was the strong, positive image I project on the screen", he said. "The word karate, unfortunately, connotes violence to many people. Actually, it's a means of avoiding violent situations, and a form of defense if you have no choice and you're backed into a corner."[18]
Distribution[edit]
The film was distributed byAmerican Cinema Releasing.
Reception[edit]
Box office[edit]
After opening on five screens in Denver on June 2, 1978, the movie would go on to gross $18 million at the US box office, due in part to a year-long publicity tour Norris did. (The actor estimated he did over 2,000 interviews in a year and says he had to go to hospital for laryngitis.)[3]It earned rentals of $8.3 million.[19]
Critical response[edit]
Linda Gross of theLos Angeles Timescalled it "cynical, reasonably entertaining... the slick, efficient murders are less gory to watch than disturbing to contemplate."[20]The Washington Postsaid "the little plot it [the film] does have goes a long way."[21]Tom Buckley ofThe New York Timessaid the film was "short on everything."[22]
The 1996 movie guide"Seen That, Now What?",the film was given the rating of "C-", stating that "the serious-minded plot is poorly matched with the karate-chopping action sequences, and Norris' fancy footwork only occasionally takes fire."[23]
"The first time I saw myself, I didn't feel embarrassed yet thought I could be better", said Norris. "But, by the fourth viewing, I wanted to hide behind a chair."[10]
According to Norris, the critics said that "I was the worst thing in 50 years. Well, I wasn't good, but my feelings were hurt. I said, 'I'm not trying to be Dustin Hoffman; I just want to project a strong positive hero image on the screen.' I went to Steve [McQueen], and he said, 'InGood Guysyou talk too much. Too much dialogue. Let the character actors lay out the plot. Then, when there's something important to say, you say it, and people will listen. Anyway, you'll get better as an actor. You should have seen me inThe Blob."[11]
The producers went on to makeGo Tell the Spartanswith Ted Post.[24]
The film was meant to be the first in a series.[9]However no further Booker movies resulted.
Other media[edit]
In popular culture[edit]
Chuck Norris' character inThe Expendables 2is named Booker "The Lone Wolf", in homage to John T. Booker inGood Guys Wear Black.(It also references his movieLone Wolf McQuade)
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^Goldman, Stuart (June 29, 1980). "Movies: Martial-Arts Films: Alive and Kicking".Los Angeles Times.p. y28.
- ^"Good Guys Wear Black – Box Office Data".The Numbers.Retrieved28 July2011.
- ^abcdDrooz, A. (Mar 12, 1981). "Chuck Norris aims for stardom".Los Angeles Times.ProQuest152733428.
- ^Maslin, Janet (1984-12-02)."Film View; Short On Talk, Big at the Box Office".The New York Times.Retrieved2011-01-02.
- ^abCook, David A. (2002).Lost Illusions: American Cinema in the Shadow of Watergate and Vietnam, 1970–1979.University of California Press. p. 270.ISBN978-0-520-23265-5.
- ^"Good Guys Wear Black".DVD Talk.Retrieved2011-01-02.
- ^Cook, Bruce (Jan 29, 1988). "In 'Braddock,' Norris Kicks Out Over War's Lost Children".Chicago Tribune(Sports Final, CN ed.). p. K.
- ^"Good Guys Wear Black".Monthly Film Bulletin.Vol. 47, no. 552. London. Jan 1, 1980. p. 22.
- ^abcdeLee, Grant (May 25, 1977). "Film Clips: Trek From TV to Movie to TV".Los Angeles Times.p. g9.
- ^abGroen, Rick (16 June 1979). "Karate champion now has 2 films under his black belt".The Globe and Mail.p. 35.
- ^abChase, Chris (15 Apr 1983). "AT THE MOVIES; Chuck Norris wins appeal on rating".The New York Times.p. C.10.
- ^Lees, David; Berkowitz, Stan (Sep 24, 1978). "The Big Lure: Movies As an Investment: Taking a Flyer at Films Movies Movies".Los Angeles Times.p. 11.
- ^"Article 5 -- No Title".Los Angeles Times.31 July 1977. p. o42.
- ^Lee, Grant (Mar 16, 1977). "Farrah, Lee in Majors Production?".Los Angeles Times.p. f11.
- ^"Star of Stage And Savings".The Washington Post.June 9, 1977. p. B2.
- ^Broeske, P. H. (May 19, 1985). "Chuck Norris--An All-American Hit".Los Angeles Times.ProQuest154169712.
- ^"Chuck Norris: Shuttered movie theaters scene of unfolding cliffhanger".21 August 2020.
- ^Ryan, Desmond (21 Apr 1983). "The Loner – Despite Critics, This Actor's Proud of His Films".The Philadelphia Inquirer.p. D.6.
- ^Donahue, Suzanne Mary (1987).American film distribution: the changing marketplace.UMI Research Press. p. 301.ISBN9780835717762.Please note figures are for rentals in US and Canada
- ^Gross, Linda (Mar 23, 1979). "Action, Adventure in 'Good Guys Wear Black'".Los Angeles Times.p. g19.
- ^K.C. Summers (Apr 27, 1979). "Au Courant 'Good Guys'".The Washington Post.p. W25.
- ^Tom Buckley (June 30, 1979). "Film: 'Good Guys' Opens: The Cast".The New York Times.p. 11.
- ^Shaw, Andrea (1996).Seen That, Now What?: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Video You Really Want to Watch.Simon and Schuster. p. 41.ISBN9780684800110.
- ^Lee, Grant (Sep 11, 1978). "Film Clips: Vietnam Movie Made on Spartan Budget".Los Angeles Times.p. e9.