cleopatra jones summary

Although Jones’ character and relationships are in keeping with feminist principles, the portrayal of Mommy is perceived as less groundbreaking. [7], Although Cleopatra Jones contains themes relating specifically to the Black Power and feminist movements, it appeals to the general public and is said to be the “first blaxploitation film to use martial arts as part of its promotion.”[8] It appeals to audiences who enjoy action movies (such as the James Bond series) and has invited comparisons between Jones and Bond. She stated, “It’s true there are very few black models. [5], The film opened to a favorable critical reception. Cleopatra, Egyptian queen, famous in history and drama as the lover of Julius Caesar and later as the wife of Mark Antony. Cleopatra and Reuben's relationship can be considered a more progressive look at black male and black female relations at the time. They must have straight hair, or hair that can be pressed, and they must have Caucasian features.”[7] Dobson's role created an entertaining, “safe” ground for black women to retain their ethnic appearances while still being portrayed as strikingly beautiful and powerful. Cleopatra Jones Summary Lobby card for "Cleopatra Jones" shows stars Tamara Dobson and Shelley Winters in scenes from the film. Take your $3.00 and go buy some sticks and poster board and stand outside and picket. Cleopatra Jones (Tamara Dobson) is a stylin' special agent who chases down drug lords the world over as she does her part to stop trafficking. It looks like we don't have a Synopsis for this title yet. The film is a sequel to the 1973 action film Cleopatra Jones. Warner Archive Collection finally brings this exploitation classic to Blu-ray with a very nice transfer and some solid audio. One critic noted “On the surface, Cleopatra Jones is about a black distaff James Bond who drives a fancy car equipped with a submachine gun in the door, wears smart clothes, is a karate expert, and travels all over the world as a United States secret agent, destroying the poppy wherever it is found.”[5] Another critic, Chris Norton, even suggested, “Like Bond, Cleo is not a stealthy character who tries to infiltrate the underworld by losing her identity… Bond seldom tried to hide his identity, often using his real name during introductions, and all Bond films rely on his being recognized as 007.”[5] Likewise, Jones is rarely undercover, and is flashy and flamboyant on the job. She appears in rich reds and yellows, tailored pantsuits, clinging silk shirts, voluptuous fur jackets, turbans, silk headdresses, and hooded capes. The play begins with Serapion, a priest of Isis, discussing the fact that there have been many dark omens manifesting in the natural world recently. [3] The film has been described as being primarily an action film, but also partially a comedy with a spoof tone. [5], When Cleo returns to LA to arrest the police responsible for the raid, she continues to take apart Mommy's underworld drug business, thwarting her minions along the way. Norton continues by saying “Cleo’s outrageous outfits are also analogous with Bond’s dinner jackets and playboy wardrobe. Bernie Casey, Shelley Winters and Antonio Fargas also feature. Cleopatra Jones (DVD) : During the 1970s, U.S. Special Agent Cleopatra Jones proves to be an invaluable asset to the local police forces in the war on drugs. In 32 to 31 BC, Antony finally divorced Octavia. [8], Just as her character Cleopatra Jones came from a poor, high-crime neighborhood, Dobson came from humble, working-class roots. Shop high-quality unique Cleopatra Jones T-Shirts designed and sold by artists. Just click the "Edit page" button at the bottom of the page or learn more in the Synopsis submission guide. These were presumably the work of co-writer Sheldon Keller, a veteran TV comedy specialist whose numerous credits include The Dick Van Dyke Show and Caesar's Hour. While Jones is both feminine and fashionable, at the same time she is talented in combat and driving, even more so than the men in the film. I thought it was one of the 'better' "Blaxploitation" era movies. [5], Cleopatra Jones was made by Warner Brothers following the success of the Shaft series and AIP’s films. Mommy uses her connections with bad cops on the force to cause trouble for Cleopatra's friends and set her up for an attack. A short summary of this paper. Max Julien originally wrote the part of Jones for his then-girlfriend Vonetta McGee, but the part was eventually given to Dobson,[5] a fashion model whose height inspired the film's tag line: “6 feet 2 inches of dynamite.”[7] Although blaxploitation films generally used sex to attract an audience, Cleopatra Jones was comparatively modest, containing no nudity or explicit sex. Alexas, Cleopatra's eunuch, suggests that this is nonsense, and warns that Cleopatra's relationship with Antony, the Roman general, is on the rocks.. Public Figure. Timeline of significant events in the life of Cleopatra, Egyptian queen famous in history and drama for her relationships with two leaders of ancient Rome, Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Editors blame this on the market… but I say forget the market- we’re talking about a pretty girl. Tamara Dobson stars as an undercover government agent who uses the day job of supermodel as her cover and an excuse to travel to exotic places. In her first starring role Miss Dobson more than makes up for her lack of acting experience by her dazzling looks, sultry personality, and unwavering poise.”[5], Tapping into the Black Pride movement, the irony of using the name Cleopatra to convey a character who was strong physically, but equally feminine and independent, appealed to the urban public. Princess Cleopatra becomes Egypt's Queen and has an out-of-wedlock son with the son-less Roman ruler Julius Ceasar. Stream Cleopatra Jones by GolanMyGlobus from desktop or your mobile device Cleo is a Bond-like heroine with power and influence, her silver and black '73 Corvette Stingray (equipped with automatic weapons), and her martial arts ability. Over four decades before Taraji P. Henson's turn as a hitwoman in 'Proud Mary,' Tamara Dobson starred in a 1973 crime film that helped popularize the blaxploitation genre. The film depicts the harsh reality of the black ghetto, but also portrays a united communit… And if I did, I wouldn’t lift a finger to help you or any of your kind.”[5]. Dobson's role was an example of the potential of a new black female presence in popular action cinema. Summary Cleopatra Jones is a fun little 1970s action relic and a bit of a breezy watch. [7] The song “Theme from Cleopatra Jones” emphasizes the fantasy of erotic pleasure for men: “You’re so sweet and strong…/Touch me like the desert wind.” In the theme song, the lyrics depict the threat and thrill of her exotic beauty: “You take my pride and you throw it up against the wall/You take me in your arms, baby, and bounce me like a rubber ball…/ Dontcha know that it hurts so good.”[7] The soundtrack was a popular success, selling well over 500,000 copies. Article Summary X. Contrasted together, Mommy's whiteness, lesbianism, and phallic power highlight Cleopatra Jones’ heterosexual appeal, blackness, and phallic power. Report abuse. Cleopatra Jones has been analyzed by academics, particularly its attitudes towards race, sex and feminism. 37 Full PDFs related to this paper. [7] From this social context emerged the desire for a black heroine who appealed to women through a combination of alluring femininity, female strength, and combat skill. The sequel's lack of popularity was due not only to its poor reviews but also to the decline of blaxploitation films in general. | The key difference is that Cleopatra’s issues she resolves impact her neighborhood instead of impacting the whole world. CLEOPATRA JONES (1973) is a rousing good time and one of the most enjoyable blaxploitation movies I've seen. Summary Read a Plot Overview of the entire play or a scene by scene Summary and Analysis. But I don’t care what anybody calls it. | Cleopatra Jones is blaxploitation doing what blaxploitation does best: busting racists and whacking crack, all within the comfort and vibes of a cozy 70's crime show with kung fu. Overseas modeling is only a cover for her real job. Says Los Angeles film critic Kevin Thomas, Cleopatra Jones is “an exceptionally well-made black action picture…From start to finish this fast-moving Warner’s release is shrewdly calculated and affirms the gifts of its director Jack in bringing style and meaning to the exploitation picture. Lovely to see a predominately black action movie granted a budget befitting a Hollywood production, even if the climatic battle is underwhelmingly set in a cheap, dingy junkyard. Cleopatra Jones is a 1973 American blaxploitation film directed by Jack Starrett. Search all of SparkNotes Search. Summary: Cleopatra Jones's birthday is 05/30/1955 and is 65 years old. Jones, Prudence J.: Cleopatra - Sourcebook. [8] Jones flaunts her sexuality through her appearance, managing to remain an autonomous and strong female protagonist. To make Cleopatra’s famous milk bath, start by filling a large jar with 1 to 2 cups of whole milk and ½ cup of honey. Aside from some comments by Mommy after the opening sequence, this movie is relatively free of the typical nasty racial comments utilized in so many of these films to stir hatred towards the villains. The video transfer is good for a film of this age and has been nicely restored. Available in a range of colours and styles for men, women, and everyone. But black girls must be safe. When Jones destroys a Turkish poppy field that belongs to a tough dealer named Mommy (Shelley Winters), the woman gets revenge by closing an L.A. drug clinic run by Jones's boyfriend, Ruben (Bernie Casey). As the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra's role as a leader allowed African American women to identify with Dobson's character and finally call a heroine their own. 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