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An escaped convict goes to a small town to clear his name. He becomes part of a murder plot in order to pull his plan off. A taut blend of noir and social commentary, If He Hollers, Let Him Go! (1968) stars Raymond St. Jacques as James Lake, a wrongfully imprisoned man who escapes from prison to prove his innocence in the brutal rape and murder of a white woman. But as he fights to clear his name, Lake is drawn into an even more dangerous scheme by a manipulative businessman (Kevin McCarthy), who wants him to kill his wealthy wife (Dana Wynter). What follows is a morally murky thriller steeped in racial tension, betrayal, and existential dread. Written, produced, and directed by Charles Martin, and adapted from Chester Himes's groundbreaking 1945 novel, the film is both a crime story and a stark reflection of its turbulent era. Supported by a compelling cast including Barbara McNair, Royal Dano, and John Russell, the film explores systemic injustice and personal desperation with an unflinching eye. This Blu-ray debut features a brand-new 2K restoration sourced from surviving 35mm elements, presented in its original 1.85:1 aspect ratio with color correction to restore its cinematic grit and atmosphere. Often overlooked, If He Hollers, Let Him Go! now stands ready for rediscovery--a searing time capsule of 1960s racial and class anxieties, and a striking showcase for one of the first major Black action leads in American film. Media Bonus Materials New 2K scan from original inter-positive with extensive color correction presented in 1.85:1 Cast & Crew Actors: Kevin McCarthy Dana Wynter Royal Dano John Russell Director: Charles Martin Additional Details Label: DARK FORCE ENTERTAIN Genre: Action/Adventure Language: English Run Time: 106 mins Region: 0 Release Date: 05/09/23 UPC: 731034932400
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If He Hollers, Let Him Go! (1968)
106 min
James Lake (Raymond St. Jacques) is an escaped black convict imprisoned for a murder he didn't commit. Leslie Whitlock (Kevin McCarthy) offers James money to kill his wife, Ellen (Dana Wynter). He declines and tries to look up his old flame Lily (Barbara McNair), but discovers his own brother is now married to the sultry nightclub singer. James returns to Leslie, and the trio travel towards a mountain retreat. James and Ellen escape and try to find the murderer who had framed James years before.