A quiet and sensitive look at the slave trade in southern USA in the 19th century this isn't! Instead, DRUM is a no-frills exploitation movie, a film whose sole purpose is to captivate, shock, titillate and outrage its audience. Conceived as a follow-up to MANDINGO, and featuring a few of the same actors, this is a surprisingly entertaining movie albeit one that isn't for the easily offended. Made back in the 1970s, long before political correctness became the norm, this film throws casual racism around willy-nilly and uses the 'n' word at least once every few minutes. On top of that, it strongly focuses on the sex and violence that were the staples of '70s drive-in cinema, so we get lots and lots of nudity, sexual situations, and violent fight scenes.
Ken Norton is the principal actor, a tough and hulking hero. Many have condemned his restrained turn but I actually found him thoroughly convincing in the role. He's ably supported by some EXCELLENT performances from the other cast members, in particular Warren Oates, veering on the edge of ham as the sex-mad slave owner; Pam Grier, in a minor role as a pretty servant; John Colicos as an absolutely dastardly Frenchman; Fiona Lewis as a titillating bit of skirt and, best of all, Yaphet Kotto as an incendiary slave who eventually leads a result. Kotto steals every scene, just as he did in many other films he appeared in. He really is top-notch when it comes to giving great performances.
This film has a short running time and plenty of action along the way. Norton engages in a couple of brutal battles, including one fantastic bout against a knife-wielding thug which is worth watching the film for alone. Best of all, though, is the film's detailing of all the hypocrisy and simmering violence that went hand in hand with the slave trade. DRUM pulls no punches in depicting mankind's inhumanity to man, and it isn't for the squeamish either. Colicos' eventual comeuppance is a thoroughly nasty moment that nevertheless had me cheering for its downright bravery.
The best part of the film is the fiery climax, for which most of the budget is saved. It's large-scale, riotous and utterly exciting, really bringing to a head all of the tensions that were building up beforehand. I can't fault it. This excellent ending rounds off a film which provides entertainment from beginning to end: a true '70s movie that captures the concerns of that decade. They don't make them like this anymore, and to be honest, I'm glad of it: but there's no denying that DRUM is a film that belies its exploitation roots. It's a very good film indeed.
Ken Norton is the principal actor, a tough and hulking hero. Many have condemned his restrained turn but I actually found him thoroughly convincing in the role. He's ably supported by some EXCELLENT performances from the other cast members, in particular Warren Oates, veering on the edge of ham as the sex-mad slave owner; Pam Grier, in a minor role as a pretty servant; John Colicos as an absolutely dastardly Frenchman; Fiona Lewis as a titillating bit of skirt and, best of all, Yaphet Kotto as an incendiary slave who eventually leads a result. Kotto steals every scene, just as he did in many other films he appeared in. He really is top-notch when it comes to giving great performances.
This film has a short running time and plenty of action along the way. Norton engages in a couple of brutal battles, including one fantastic bout against a knife-wielding thug which is worth watching the film for alone. Best of all, though, is the film's detailing of all the hypocrisy and simmering violence that went hand in hand with the slave trade. DRUM pulls no punches in depicting mankind's inhumanity to man, and it isn't for the squeamish either. Colicos' eventual comeuppance is a thoroughly nasty moment that nevertheless had me cheering for its downright bravery.
The best part of the film is the fiery climax, for which most of the budget is saved. It's large-scale, riotous and utterly exciting, really bringing to a head all of the tensions that were building up beforehand. I can't fault it. This excellent ending rounds off a film which provides entertainment from beginning to end: a true '70s movie that captures the concerns of that decade. They don't make them like this anymore, and to be honest, I'm glad of it: but there's no denying that DRUM is a film that belies its exploitation roots. It's a very good film indeed.