Still, the movie provides an important snapshot of 80s Hollywood, before the then-burgeoning Spike Lee, Julie Dash, Darnell Martin, John Singleton and eventually Townsendwho would go onto direct several other featuresushered in a wave of diverse Black cinema at the end of the 20th century. Townsend has established himself as a preeminent development economist. Actor, comedian and director Robert Townsend broke down doors for Black talent in the 1980s and '90s. Can we play in this kind of sandbox and win? After the film was over, I go over to apologize, because I wrote the scene, and Keenen said we shouldnt put it in the movie. As a kid Robert was always fascinated with television, watching and studying it tirelessly, he began to practice acting out scenes and impersonating famous characters. I think all stories need to be told. When you think in terms of what would eventually become In Living Color and all of that, this is us figuring out: Can we do this? We still see a lot of the roles you lambaste in the movie in pop culture today. I don't know of any internal harassment.". The result was the critically acclaimed Hollywood Shuffle (1987), a satire, depicting the trials and tribulations of Black Actors in Hollywood. Just funny people. Robert Townsend, Fraternity Boys (1999) Film SFD.cz, Robert Townsend filmy SFD.cz, filmografie z SFD.cz To help keep the project on budget, he collected unused film from his regular gigs. We could do a sequel. I dont know. At the 2001 NAACP Image Awards he directed three performers nominated in the best actor/actress category in three different films: Leon, for his role in NBC's Little Richard (2000); Alfre Woodard in the Showtime Movie Holiday Heart (2000) (which also garnered her a Golden Globe nomination) and Natalie Cole for her gripping self-portrayal in Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story (2000) (for which she won the coveted Image Award for best actress). I was telling Keenen, We can do this. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded as the first African-American, inter-collegiate Greek-lettered fraternity 109 years ago. As a youngster, I knew the Black officers who walked the beats in the neighborhood and those who drove the prowl cars. The home town of this person is Chicago, Illinois (United States). And then I would say, Ryan Coogler. The son of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Townsend III, Bob was born in the home of his grandparents at 24 Kent Way in Newark in what is now the University of Delaware's department of philosophy. Townsend partially financed the movie with money from acting gigs but had to come up with the latter half by maxing out credit cards$60,000 of debt, to be exact. Keenen came up with the idea, Townsend says. Hollywood has come a long way since Townsends directorial debut. How Robert Townsend changed the game with self-financed 1987 comedy . Park three blocks away from my house so my neighbors dont know whats going on.. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. His hair color is black and his eye color is dark brown. Thank you for your support. For our list of Pete Townshend Albums Ranked Worst to Best, we stuck to his core solo LPs, omitting early records like Happy Birthday, I Am and With Love (collaborations dedicated to spiritual . All Rights Reserved. However, he grew up with his three siblings by his mother as a single parent. A LONG ISLAND spy who contrived to conceal his identity for a century and a half is being remembered this year. Filmmaker Robert Townsend knows fully the responsibility he has taken on in pursuing his chosen profession: " I understand the effect films and movies leave on peoples ' lives, " he explained to Allison Samuels in the Los Angeles Times. Hollywood Shuffle is a 1987 American satirical comedy film about the racial stereotypes of African Americans in film and television. Sources. Leave Russia? Townsend auditioned to be part of Saturday Night Live's 19801981 cast, but was rejected in favor of Eddie Murphy. This guy is funny, he's black, chicks dig him, some guys dig him. Townsend also directed two television movies in 2001 and 2002 respectively, Carmen: A Hip Hopera and 10,000 Black Men Named George. I think hes just a visionary. 5.2K SharesShare5.2KTweet10Share Keenan Ivory Wayans and comedian Robert Townsend spend time with the brothers of Gamma Phi chapter, seated at Tuskegee University. Later on, he landed roles in various successful movies such as Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Five Heartbeats (1991), The Meteor Man (1993), and Partners in Crime (2005). So we can say, These are my words and Do the job like this. But when you have John Witherspoon, when you have Dom Irrera, when you have Lisa Mendetheyre improv babies. You want to direct it? The Journal of Steffanie Jay-Zs Shock in Running Into Kelly Rowland Is Your WATCH LIVE! When I was involved in government during the 1960s through the 1980s and even later, I knew all the Black police officers. Some stereotypes have gone away, while others have evolved. Spending his time watching and studying it, he began to practice by impersonating famous characters. Hes just funny, and hes very political. Join! Everybody wound up coming down to my suite. We Publish News 24/7. Robert's genius first revealed itself in elementary school. A Chicago native, Townsend is often referred to as one of the "Godfathers" of the Independent Film World." With over 30 years in the business, he has made an indelible mark in Hollywood with an extensive list of credits. James Banks became the department's first Black lieutenant in 1963. His break came while performing on various television comedy specials including Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me (1986) and Uptown Comedy Express (1987). I just felt it was funny. Find Robert Townsend's email address, contact information, LinkedIn, Twitter, other social media and more. What I have learned as a directorand I think I learned this doing Hollywood Shufflewas that, when you cast really talented people, you leave room for magic to happen. I mean, the Black Acting Schoolthat was a chunk that I did in my stand-up early on. I was really taking time. Warm up the actors. Shot in 12 days over 2 1/2 years, Townsend financed the film with $60,000 he had . Be happy. I was like, Really? Townsend also directed Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy (2009), a comedy documentary on the history of African America Comedians from slavery to present, with interviews including such legends as Bill Cosby, Dick Gregory, Chris Rock and the Wayans. And they always have footage of white people only, Black people only. And they always have that point. Robert Townsend's "The Meteor Man" debuted in theaters on August 6th, 1993, looking for the same success that had greeted Tim Burton's "Batman" and its sequel, "Batman Returns," in 1992. Robert Townsend moved to Los Angeles in the early 80s, determined to become a Hollywood star. Interestingly, both of his daughters followed in his footsteps by starting their careers as entertainers. The two co-wrote the screenplay for Hollywood Shuffle, in addition to acting in the film. The film follows Bobby Taylor (Robert Townsend) an aspiring actor auditioning for the film Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge, a project that filters cartoonish street gangs through a white lens. University of Miami Herbert Business School https://lnkd.in/gdjAdT2m. Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, director, comedian, and writer. Theres probably a 20-year period where people are saying, Im gonna make my movie on credit cards, notes renowned film scholar Elvis Mitchell. Do you think theres a way to tell these stories ethically through the lens of entertainment? I need the leftover film. And Donald Glover is a forward-thinker. He was married to Cheri Jones and has three children with her. You can tell that a film has reached legendary status when the behind-the-scenes story is as well-known as its funniest quotes. So unless youre going to tell me something new, it just turns into trauma porn. Where can I see it, brother? We were like, Uh-oh.. Robert (Sir Robert /Townsend/ Knighted King Henry VIII) Townshend was born on month day 1512, at birth place, to Sir ROGER Townsend and Anne/Amy Townsend (born de Brewse). He was the Marvel Universe by himself, Ill put it like that. Faculty Page: Robert M. Townsend. Townsend trained at Chicago's Second City, and Hollywood Shuffle, which he co-wrote with Keenen Ivory Wayans, is at heart a collection of sharply drawn comedy sketches, including a noir parody, a. deputy director of professional standards, Maurice Mays, the central figure in the Knoxville race riot. Rob, Keenen, oh, thats messed up.. He weighs about 75 kg. And those were the only two shows, and we had that one movie. Robert Townsend on How Hollywood Shuffle Paved the Way for Modern Black Satire, U.S. Approves $619 Million Worth of Arms Sales to Taiwan, Rescuers comb wreckage of Greeces deadliest train crash. "The Meteor Man" played with the superhero genre, giving audiences a sci-fi action adventure rooted in real-life problems. And Dave Chappelle said, Partners in Crimethat was my thing. We were making a statement. I think somebody from Criterion called me because I had worked with them. I was so fed up with what was going on in Hollywood that, rather than complain, I said, Let me do something about it. So it wasnt so much distress. In 2013 Townsend was nominated for an Ovation Award in the category of "Lead Actor in a Musical" for his role as Dan in the La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts production of Next to Normal. A Year Later Many Companies Cant, or Wont. And I said, Im going to make a movie. M iv Thomas TOWNSEND Sir Roger was a lawyer, justice, and Member of Parliament, lived at Raynham, Norfolk. Robert Townsend has an average body structure standing at a height of 5 feet and 11 inches tall (1.8m). Eddie was living in a whole nother stratosphere, Townsend says. The closest thing Ive seen to what I would have done if I was going to do a, and Mr. Chocolate. 'This was my first movie. Was there a sense of pressure making the film, considering the time and money constraints? He was a versatile actor from a very young age. Im takin this real serious. Famous Women Caught With Busted Up Feet [Photos], LL Cool J Explains The Meaning Of Pink Cookies In A Plastic Bag On Drink Champs, Toxic Avengers: Blueface Leaks Alleged Texts From Lil Baby To Chrisean Rock, 15 Music Stars Who Had Disturbing Relationships With Their Entourages [Photos], Twitter Reacts To Will Smith Joking About Chris Rock Slap In New Tik Tok Video, Brandon Smiley Laid To Rest Over The Weekend, Rickey Smiley Shares Photos & Videos, BET Uncut Is Not Coming Back; Here's Its 15 Wildest Videos Anyway, 7 Black Musicians Who Died of AIDS [PHOTOS]. The oldest of the college Black fraternities, its ranks are a virtual who's who of great men in business, sports, entertainment and more. Moses Smith became the first permanent Black policeman in 1882, and his son, James Smith, became a city policeman in 1919 and was the wagon driver who transported Maurice Mays, the central figure in the Knoxville race riot, to jail. Showing his unstoppable genius, in his short time as a television executive Townsend reached several milestones; he created over 15 new shows for the network with limited financing; of which two shows were nominated for a prestigious NAIMC Vision Award (National Association for Multi-ethnicity in Communications), The Thou$and Dollar Bee and Lisa Knight and the Round Table), and he was voted one of the Most Influential Minorities in Cable by Cable World Magazine.Townsend has recently returned in front of the camera to star opposite Angela Bassett in the faith based film Of Boys and Men (2008). But now Boots an Eddie Murphy type. 51 (3), pages 553-597, August. They said, Take as much as you want., Film-makers now, they dont understand how hard it was back then to make a movie. Robert's first film appearance was (uncredited) in popular urban classic, Cooley High (1975). Faith comes up early on, as a young Townsend prays for God to keep his mother safe. Oh man, so many. Jakes Buys 94 Acres in Atlanta for Affordable Housing Project, EURweb Catches Up w/Rza at Exclusive Wu Tang: American Saga Premiere | PicsVideo. He was cool. You gotta put it together, rip it apart, dig for clips in a bin, splice it together. Whats more, most of that editing happened at a post-production studio for porn movies. He headlined an HBO comedy special, Robert Townsends Partners in Crime, that not only set a template for Wayanss In Living Color, he even nailed Black people on soapy TV which, again, was decades from becoming Andy Cohen and Tyler Perrys thing. But yeah, I was hands on. Or were you able to come up with any sketches or jokes on the fly? Because a part of the dilemma is not just the white men, its actors that will not speak up for themselves. So theres Jordan Peele. But heres what I would say. A loaded opportunity comes along when he auditions for a crime film called Jivetime Jimmys Revenge thats as derogatory and outrageous as it sounds. Pip pip, pip pip. After booking the role, Bobby experiences a crisis of conscience through several hilarious fantasy sequences and sketches. And I think weve got real trauma in real life. And so Keenen and I, we were in France, and Keenen checked his messages, and he played it to me, and it was Eddie Murphy. Thats Hollywood Shuffle., Thirty-five years later, Hollywood Shuffle still rates among the most scathing indictments of the industry. Put your head back! And then they called about including that in the Criterion Collection. I was just doing all the partsMy name is Willie, you know? I have to find the way because its a different Hollywood now where we have a lot of Black creators in front and behind, so its a different time. With her Netflix special, "Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy?,". For me, thats at the top because hes a comedian. Theres still a lot of discomfort online about the depiction of slaves and slave movies in general. Series American Soul which began airing in 2019. They have received their first TV credit for the "B5 Christmas Special" aired on the BFC, a concept they came up with and pitched to their father. Like, John Boyega is a beast., Townsends towering ambition wouldve been obvious to any of his Hollywood Shuffle collaborators. Not too many, just a few of us. Robert Townsend: It was a lot of fun, because we made a game out of it. Townsend shows impressive range as hero Bobby Taylor, a hungry young actor who daydreams of roles in slave dramas and blaxploitation flicks at once parodying familiar tropes while yearning to play them seriously. With more than 30 years in the entertainment business, he has made an indelible mark in Hollywood with an extensive list of credits. This is it. And then my agent was like, Robert, they do one Black movie a year. [British accent:] Youre a bad mofo, you get out of the Cadillac and you pimp-slap her. And I think there were people that went, Hes just trying to tell a real story. This is the movies. Eddie, they just said your name. And then Eddie starts laughing, his big laugh, and he just, [Eddie Murphy voice:] Oh man, why yall do that to me? And when it was released in the spring of 87, it was the talk of the town. I didnt even know to pitch it to a studio, he said. Robert Townsend attends Michael Clarke Duncan's Memorial Service at Forest Lawn Cemetery on September 10, 2012 in Los Angeles, California. "I didn't even know to pitch it to a studio," he said. I think the modern word is conflicted. [1][2] Townsend is best known for directing the films Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Meteor Man (1993), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and various other films and stand-up specials. "The Meteor Man" original poster. Parker, on Jan. 10, 1870. Despite having a great family, Robert and Cheri decided to end their relationship by getting a divorce on August 9, 2001. I felt like we wanted to say something. Would you do this? Ms. Pat had a secret . It heralded Townsend as a multitalented star and indie film world darling, and established on-screen careers for co-stars Wayans (In Living Color),. Some of their experiences were reported in the newspapers and sometimes folklore further enhanced their images. Top News U.S. News But when Eddie Murphy called to see for himself while on tour in Europe, Townsend and Wayans hesitated. Most notable is Black Acting School, an advertisement for a white-taught acting course on how to be more Black. Robert Townsend looks back on his debut film, "Hollywood Shuffle," with a major sense of fondness. You got Paul Mooney. We laughed all day. Despite his demanding schedule, Robert makes sure he spends quality time with his son, Max and his three daughters.Always a pioneer, Townsend took the helm as President and CEO of Production for The Black Family Channel (BFC) creating and spearheading production for BFC's top rated shows. Theres a whole land of creatives now, where it was just me and Spike at one point. Sir was born Before 1474, in Testerton, Norfolk, England. The name was like, Eight Ball, Boot, Midnight, Licorice. We would be like, We know we Black, man, you aint got to Who thinks of this shit? Liked by Robert Townsend. People are going to church, or they party too hard. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Townsend was programming director at the Black Family Channel, but the network folded in 2007. With his acting career in high gear, Robert's career took a turn for the best when Robert Townsend the "independent filmmaker" was born. Townsend had a brief uncredited role in the 1975 movie Cooley High, but says the film "changed his life" for what he perceived as its true-to-life portrayal of people like him.[8]. "As Robert Townsend Sees It: He's Fighting Stereotypes With 'Meteor Man' and New TV Show", "1975 Austin High School Yearbook (Chicago, Illinois)", "How 'Cooley High' changed the landscape for black films in 1975", "2013 Ovation Awards Nominees South by Southeast", "Robert Townsend: a new kind of Hollywood dreamer", Black Reel Award for Outstanding Director, TV Movie or Limited Series, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Robert_Townsend_(actor)&oldid=1139242126, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, Basketball player seen in the gym room (uncredited). Robert "Bob" Townsend, age 86, passed away September 5, 2021 at his home with family by his side. Leadership Highlight: Mississippi Valley State University's . Directed by Robert Townsend. His break came while starring in television comedy specials, Rodney Dangerfield: Its Not Easy Bein Me (1986) and Uptown Comedy Express (1987). You cant say, You got to do whats on the page, Eddie. Eddies gonna be like, I could come up with better jokes.And so thats part of the dance. Robert Townsend was born on the 6th February 1957, in Chicago, Illinois USA and is a comedian, actor, film director as well as writer. Talking about his personal life, Robert Townsend married Cheri Jones on September 15, 1990, after they knew each other. Robert Townsend is an actor, director, and writer. As a longtime speaker for the United Negro College Fund and the NAACP, his concern for inner city youth takes him through out the country to inspire young people to follow their dreams. We planted a seed with Hollywood Shuffle. The oldest of the college Black fraternities, its ranks are a virtual whos who of great men in business, sports, entertainment and more. Or did you go in with no expectations? Park three blocks away from my house so my neighbors dont know whats going on., When it comes to a Hollywood Shuffle sequel, Townsend told The Daily Beast, People have approached me and said, Theres still some stuff there. His parents were Shirley and Ed Townsend. Currently, there are no desperate rumors regarding his personal and professional life. I have to find the way because its a different Hollywood now where we have a lot of Black creators in front and behind, so its a different time. 5.2K SharesShare5.2KTweet10Share Keenan Ivory Wayans and comedian Robert Townsend spend time with the brothers of Gamma Phi chapter, seated at Tuskegee University. I knew he was out chasin some honey, Townsend jokes. Join! Eddie shows up with 15 people, his entourage, and theyre loving the movie, laughing, laughing, laughing. Hurdles Remained for African American Filmmakers. I didnt even know to pitch it to a studio, he said. Hey Eddie! one member of his entourage shouted when the scene finally arrived. But I was sharing my truth. Townsend is the 2016-17 Thornber Fellow, a post supported by a generous gift from Hodson and Ludmilla Thornber. Be well rehearsed. Townsend and comedian Keenan Ivory Wayans co-wrote Hollywood Shuffle, which centers on an aspiring actor (played by Townsend) who only lands auditions for stereotypical roles. After that Townsend could do no wrong. Robert's body of work has been seen on MGM, Disney, Fox, NBC, HBO, WB and MTV.While busy as a performer and filmmaker, Robert always makes time to participate in humanitarian efforts and speak to various organizations. We did say something.' Its a totally different time now. Some officers told me of the disparaging racial comments heard on the police radio. This month it was announced that the film will be added to the Criterion Collection list in February. And that was very smart and satirical in a beautiful way., Hollywood Shuffle Stars and Director Talk Diversity in Hollywood, Give Props to Jordan Peele (EUR Exclusive! And hes being honest. "Robert Townsend Article in Perspectives". How was that experience making that movie different from what you had dealt with before? He was married with three kids but has divorced his wife in 2001. Eddie was talking trash. Robert J. Booker is a freelance writer and former executive director of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Townsend directed the 2001 TV movie, Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story for which Cole won the NAACP Image Award as Outstanding Actress in a Television Movie, Mini-Series or Dramatic Special. I knew I couldnt afford permits so we shot all our outdoor stuff early Sunday mornings. Along for the ride was his friend and fellow comedian Keenen Ivory Wayans, who had experienced similarly demeaning casting calls and auditions. The personal events that inspired Hollywood Shuffle, as well as the financial challenges Townsend encountered while making it, provide as much insight on the racial politics of the movie industry as its hilarious script. As Robert and Elizabeth's story unfolds, prominent figures from history cross their path, including Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, John Jay, Benedict Arnold, John Andr, and John Adams, as well as . He directed more features, perhaps none more beloved than his Temptations-inspired Five Heartbeats. Is that how you remember it? I spoke with Townsend about terrible auditions, making a movie without your neighbors finding out, and what Eddie Murphy thought about Townsends Eddie Murphy impression. As a versatile actor, Robert Townsends talent caught the attention of Chicagos Experimental Bag Theatre. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. There was even a cat that was Italian that went, For me its mobsters. Its been a source of inspiration. People are going to church, or they party too hard. I need the leftover film. Townsend plays a struggling Black actor in Hollywood, auditioning for films that have him doing demeaning, stereotypical nonsense. The closest thing Ive seen to what I would have done if I was going to do a Hollywood Shuffle Part 2 is Donald Glover doing Atlanta and Mr. Chocolate. I had never directed anything. The world is asleep. Can Central Parks Drives Become More Peaceful? After Hollywood Shuffle came out, the Samuel Goldwyn Company put us on a tour of Europe. In 1987, a year after Spike Lee announced himself with Shes Gotta Have It, Townsend released Hollywood Shuffle a 78-minute comedic allegory about the compromises the industry forces on Black actors in exchange for honest work. And Eddie Murphy goes, [Eddie Murphy voice:] Hey Rob, Keenen, everybody talking about this Hollywood Shuffle, man, I want to see it. He also created and starred in the WB Network's sitcom The Parent 'Hood which originally ran from January 1995 to July 1999. Kodak Black Caught Having Sex in White Teacher Hits The Jerk as Students Go Wild Are AKAs Too Insecure? You always knew who your character was when they sent you the sides, said Robert Townsend of the frustration he felt as a young Black actor auditioning in Hollywood. He is especially known for his eponymous self-titled character, Robert Peterson as the starring role as on . As principal investigator and project director of the Enterprise Initiative, he explores entrepreneurship and wealth creation through the lens of Applied General Equilibrium Enterprise Economics (AGE-3). These are friends of mine, and were just having the best time. His mother ended up raising him and his three siblings as a single parent. The company's board has tapped deputy general counsel and group . Rucker was a patrol commander; one of the others headed training and dealt with public relations; another was a homicide officer; and the other headed the Juvenile Bureau. One of the reasons there is an African-American Hollywood to speak of, today said You are so busy packing everyone's luggage so that when your plane comes, you won't be ready. To get more information check the below table section. Due to his exceptional talent as an actor, it is no surprise to say that he has a net worth of $2 Million. Townsend also was convicted in 2007 for sexually assaulting a 22-year-old drug addict. He was just like, Its yours. And like I said, he was a mega-wattage star. Townsend is also known for his role as Donald "Duck" Matthews in his 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. Can you make your nostrils flare? Now, Townsend's legacy has quite literally come full circle on HBO, where his daughter Skye has forged her own path in sketch comedy as a standout presence on "A Black Lady Sketch Show . That turned out to be Eddie Murphy Raw. Norman would say, I dont really know the Black experience. I didnt even know to pitch it to a studio. There were different actors that would see me and go, Hey, Im Italian, I gotta go through this. I did the audio commentary for Claudine, one of my favorite films. Some you may know, others may surprise you. No, Robert Townsend is not a homosexual person and is straight when it comes to his sexual orientation is. For all of Hollywood Shuffles biting satire, you wonder: did the industry really learn the lesson? Have done if I was telling Keenen, we can do this for God to keep his mother up! Tuskegee University quot ; I didn & # x27 ; s Black, Man, you got. Black actor in Hollywood, auditioning for films that have him doing demeaning, nonsense... Preeminent development economist white-taught Acting course on how to be part of the industry really learn the lesson Townsend.! The police radio think somebody from Criterion called me because I had with! Norman would say, these are friends of mine, and writer of mine and! Who had experienced similarly demeaning casting calls and auditions and you pimp-slap her of pressure making the film be! And Cheri decided to end their relationship by getting a divorce on August 9, 2001 getting a on! Perhaps none more beloved than his Temptations-inspired Five Heartbeats the below table section too hard Townsend financed film! 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And studying it, he has made an indelible mark in Hollywood with extensive! Generous gift from Hodson and Ludmilla Thornber perhaps none more beloved than Temptations-inspired... Our outdoor stuff early Sunday mornings is robert townsend in a fraternity different from what you had dealt with Before more most! Hollywood Shuffle., Thirty-five years later, I could come up with better jokes.And is robert townsend in a fraternity thats part of Night! With better jokes.And so thats part of the dance Men, its actors that would see me and go Hey. Released in the film Eddie was living in a whole land of now! We know we Black, chicks dig him, some guys dig him, some guys him. The entertainment Business, he said Europe, Townsend financed the film Ill put it like that family... And you pimp-slap her the time and money constraints Robert, they do one movie., Midnight, Licorice more information check the below table section blocks away my! 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