In this, one of the most popular of blaxploitation films, the charismatic Max Julien shines as Goldie, a man fresh from a stretch in prison who quickly rises to the role of top pimp in the city of Oakland. Adding complication to his life are the activities of a pair of crooked racist white detectives (Don Gordon, William Watson) and the requests of top mobster The Fatman (George Murdock) for Goldie to return to the small time. What the film truly benefits from is a sterling group of actors. Julien is engaging as the cool, calm & collected super pimp. The under-rated Gordon scores as a very bad bad guy, Roger E. Mosley is effectively intense as Goldie's activist brother, lovely Carol Speed is endearing as Lulu the prostitute, as is Juanita Moore as Goldie's loving mother, and Dick Anthony Williams has a field day as flamboyant Pretty Tony. Richard Pryor's performance, decidedly more dramatic than comedic, is solid, and he proves to be a good sidekick. The film itself is fairly overlong, but as scripted by Robert J. Poole and directed by Michael Campus, it tells a decent story in an interesting enough way, and it doesn't shy away from brutality. It gives laymen an insider's perspective by consulting with a number of real-life pimps, and shows how their lifestyle affects everything that they do. They even have barbecues, softball games, and an annual Pimp of the Year contest. By the end it's managed to portray Goldie in a complex fashion, showing that he hasn't acted THAT differently from the ruthless Hank (Gordon). Yet, of course, we can't help but side with Goldie during the finale as his nemesis has clearly gone too far. It's here that Goldie has to make an important decision. An indelible influence on pop culture, particularly Quentin Tarantino, "The Mack" immerses us in this appropriately seedy world. It's good fun, with a very hip score by Willie Hutch, and captures its time and place extremely well & remains convincing throughout. It doesn't waste time getting to the action, and features some memorable lines and exchanges. It may not be for everybody - some people may indeed feel that it's glorifying those in the prostitution business too much - but it does a compelling job at portraying a very real and very old profession, and very real part of life. Seven out of 10.
36 Reviews
Seemed to Get Better as the Movie Progressed
Uriah434 August 2014
This movie begins with a shootout in Oakland between the police and a group of black men. One of the black men named "Goldie" (Max Julien) is caught and sentenced to 5 years in a penitentiary. When he finally gets released he meets up with a childhood friend name "Lulu" (Carol Speed) who has since become a prostitute and laments to him how difficult her profession is without a pimp. He then makes the decision to accept the challenge and begins to actively recruit attractive women to oversee. One thing leads to another and soon he becomes the top "mack" in all of Oakland. Yet while this obviously translates into increased revenues for him it also attracts other undesirable elements who want a cut as well. So now he has to contend with crooked cops and an organized crime boss in addition to his rivals. Now, rather than reveal any more of the story and risk ruining the movie for those who haven't seen it I will just say that this was a fairly good "blaxploitation" film which seemed to get better as the movie progressed. Personally, I didn't think Max Julien fit the role that well because of his quiet demeanor but he still put in a decent performance all the same. Certainly worth a watch for those who enjoy films in this genre.
Good BLACK movie!
DJAkin9 October 2006
This is a decent flick as far as BLACK MOVIES GO. When I say BLACK MOVIES, I am speaking about movies from the 70s. It appears that this is the movie that I AM GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA was kinda based on. The man who played GOLDIE seemed like a good dude. I was so mad at those stupid WHITE COPS who kept harassing him. I was glad when a certain thing regarding the honkeys took place at the end. Also, RICHARD PRYOR gave a great performance. The best part was when he pulled out a shotgun in the POOL HALL. Also, a great line was "THE WHITE MAN ONLY CARES ABOUT THE HONEY BUT WHAT I CARE ABOUT IS THE MONAY!!!" Yes, this was great. It had some cheesy moments. Also, the quality of movie is certainly lack luster. But the lingo is great in this movie.
Max Julien gives a brilliant performance as "The Mack". Definitely makes my blaxploitation Top Five!
Infofreak2 February 2004
'The Mack' is one of the very best blaxploitation movies of the 1970s, and one that has had an enormous influence on both hip hop culture and Quentin Tarantino. Max Julien gives a brilliant performance as Goldie an ex-con who decides that pimping is his best hope for survival and success. Julien had played one of the members of Jack Nicholson's psychedelic combo Mumblin' Jim in Richard Rush's 60s classic 'Psych-Out'. 'The Mack' should have put him up with Fred Williamson and Richard Roundtree as a major black star, but for some reason his career never took off, despite his obvious charisma and co-writing and co-producing the hugely successful 'Cleopatra Jones'. So much so that when Tarantino wanted him to audition for the part of Marcellus Wallace in 'Pulp Fiction' he was unable to even track him down. Too bad as Julien would have been a terrific Wallace and it might have kick started his career. Apart from Julien the movie features Richard Pryor as his crazed best friend Slim, Roger Mosley (who played Leadbelly in Gordon "Shaft" Parks little seen biopic) is Goldie's politically active younger brother Olinga, and Carol Speed ('Abby') plays Lulu, the prostitute who gets him started in the game. But my favourite supporting role is the one by Don Gordon who plays Hank, an evil corrupt cop. Gordon later went on to play another nasty piece of work in Dennis Hopper's 'Out Of The Blue'. He's just terrific in both movies and rarely gets the attention he deserves. 'The Mack' definitely makes my blaxploitation Top Five, along with (no order) 'Superfly', 'Shaft', 'Black Caesar' and 'Coffy'. (Sorry I don't count 'Across 110th Street' as blaxploitation, otherwise I'd list it).
That coat was only 99 cents!
dfranzen7020 May 2019
An authentic example of the blaxploitation craze of the time, The Mack is definitely not for those who feel that crime doesn't pay. In the case of Goldie (Max Julien), it certainly does. After five years in the clink for a crime he certainly did commit, Goldie emerges as the top pimp in town. This raises the ire of a) existing pimps, b) his former boss, c) his idealistic younger brother who's trying to clean up the streets, and d) his long-suffering mom. But Goldie is unapologetic about wanting what he wants (i.e., power and money). There's no magic transformation wherein he realizes he's doing bad things for bad reasons. He is what he says he is: ruthless and uncompromising, like the main character in The Harder They Come. But Julien is terrific as the conniving, autocratic, and strong-willed pimp daddy, and The Mack's appeal hinges his gleeful performance.
It may not have been "politically correct" at the time . . .
oscaralbert17 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
. . . but Warner Bros. answered to a Higher Purpose when it courageously released THE MACK as an extreme early warning to We Americans of (The Then) Far Future concerning our upcoming Times of Trial IF the USA stubbornly persisted into another century with an outdated and totally discredited Policy of Prohibition. Warner Bros.' always prophetic film distributors try to warn Americans that it's not enough to legalize mass consumption of booze in all 50 states. That alone has not brought peace to U.S. streets. Furthermore, promoting all manner of gambling, including the so-called "Numbers Game" (aka, Powerball or MegaMillions) will not put much of a dent into the violence rocking Main Street, either. Even dropping the War on "Reefer Madness" cannot soothe the roiled waters of the USA's Civil Unrest. No, Warner's uncannily accurate Cassandras clairvoyantly contend, what Profiteth a Nation to foster all of the other Vices, when it senselessly prohibits "the World's Oldest Profession"? Warner depicts THE MACK's hero "Goldie" bravely paddling against the tide of holier-than-thou waters as he stoutly fights to make Oakland's streets safe for working girls. For his troubles, cops beat Goldie's mom to death. Never forget that Warner warned us with THE MACK that Prohibition will doom as all!
Down on the streets with Max Julien
Quinoa198411 November 2014
The Mack is not simply a 'blaxploitation' movie. You can take it seriously as a drama and it works very well. It depicts a time and place honestly, even as it is still making drama out of this world of pimps and hookers and cops and violence and money. It's crude, but it has a kind of inherent integrity that's hard to explain.
Max Julien may break out into a grin or smile once too much, but he can, and does, carry this movie really well. He makes this entire thing become alive in a way that he is likable and charismatic, and yet carries a level of authority. You don't doubt for a second that he can become this Mega-Pimp.
The scummy police men are played so slimy they transcend typical trash and become epically trash-tastic (the worst white cops maybe in any 70's movie?), and Richard Pryor as the not-really-comic sidekick helps a good deal too.
Great music, real dramatic conflict, and DAMN do some people get f****d up here! Most weird but enjoyable scene for me (and maybe the closest it gets to being so OUT-there exploitation-y) is when Goldie is giving his "orientation" bit to the hookers in the planetarium. I want to watch that on a loop.
Max Julien may break out into a grin or smile once too much, but he can, and does, carry this movie really well. He makes this entire thing become alive in a way that he is likable and charismatic, and yet carries a level of authority. You don't doubt for a second that he can become this Mega-Pimp.
The scummy police men are played so slimy they transcend typical trash and become epically trash-tastic (the worst white cops maybe in any 70's movie?), and Richard Pryor as the not-really-comic sidekick helps a good deal too.
Great music, real dramatic conflict, and DAMN do some people get f****d up here! Most weird but enjoyable scene for me (and maybe the closest it gets to being so OUT-there exploitation-y) is when Goldie is giving his "orientation" bit to the hookers in the planetarium. I want to watch that on a loop.
"The Mack"
dee.reid10 September 2004
Blaxploitation has never had a good working relationship inside mainstream cinema because it sometimes required the audience to relate with people who were pimps, pushers, hookers, and any other rabble of common street criminals. But people loved movies like "Reservoir Dogs" and "Trainspotting"; yet "Dogs" had murderous jewel thieves in the leads and "Trainspotting" was about heroin addicts in Edinburgh. So then, "The Mack" can't be any different from those two, can it?
I missed Blaxploitation when it arose during the 60s and 70s because I wasn't alive; I was born in 1985. I stumbled across "The Mack" at a local used book store that also sold videos. Sitting on a rack, was "The Mack."
After doing five rough years in prison, Goldie (Max Julien) decides to become a pimp in order to make a living, much to the dismay of his younger brother Olinga (Roger E. Mosley), who has become radicalized within the pro-Black civil rights movement during the time that Goldie has spent behind bars. Goldie then has to contend with a pair of racist, corrupt cops who hound him constantly and rival pimps.
"The Mack" is a movie that has become an enormous influence on modern hip-hop culture and is frequently referenced to in the films of Quentin Tarantino. Max Julien makes for a truly convincing "Mack" and there's even a rather subdued, yet incredibly funny supporting performance from Richard Pryor.
This movie really does capture the essence of a chaotic time period perfectly. Vietnam was going on in 1973 and some people felt that life in America was in shambles, with drugs and crime running rampant in this country. So I guess that's why people praised movies like "Death Wish," "Dirty Harry," "A Clockwork Orange," and basically any Sam Peckinpah movie that came out during the 70s.
Along with maybe "Shaft" and "Foxy Brown," "The Mack" could probably be one of the better known Blaxploitation flicks released during the 70s. I loved this movie from beginning to end. But it's a shame that "The Mack" is not more well-known in the movie-going community.
10/10
I missed Blaxploitation when it arose during the 60s and 70s because I wasn't alive; I was born in 1985. I stumbled across "The Mack" at a local used book store that also sold videos. Sitting on a rack, was "The Mack."
After doing five rough years in prison, Goldie (Max Julien) decides to become a pimp in order to make a living, much to the dismay of his younger brother Olinga (Roger E. Mosley), who has become radicalized within the pro-Black civil rights movement during the time that Goldie has spent behind bars. Goldie then has to contend with a pair of racist, corrupt cops who hound him constantly and rival pimps.
"The Mack" is a movie that has become an enormous influence on modern hip-hop culture and is frequently referenced to in the films of Quentin Tarantino. Max Julien makes for a truly convincing "Mack" and there's even a rather subdued, yet incredibly funny supporting performance from Richard Pryor.
This movie really does capture the essence of a chaotic time period perfectly. Vietnam was going on in 1973 and some people felt that life in America was in shambles, with drugs and crime running rampant in this country. So I guess that's why people praised movies like "Death Wish," "Dirty Harry," "A Clockwork Orange," and basically any Sam Peckinpah movie that came out during the 70s.
Along with maybe "Shaft" and "Foxy Brown," "The Mack" could probably be one of the better known Blaxploitation flicks released during the 70s. I loved this movie from beginning to end. But it's a shame that "The Mack" is not more well-known in the movie-going community.
10/10
Pimp Wars: Episode 1
planktonrules20 July 2008
Warning: Spoilers
THE MACK is a film about a true anti-hero, as a "mack" is a pimp. When Goldie gets out of prison, he's determined to be the #1 pimp--no matter what gets in his way. His brother, however, is full of Black pride and urges Goldie to do something positive with his life. Unfortunately, Goldie is more than willing to make it big off his own people--and, while the film presents both messages, the overwhelming message through the first 90% of the movie seems to be that Goldie's way is the right way! Over the course of the film, it was very interesting to see the evolution of Goldie. At first, he seemed like a nice guy--sort of a "pimp with a heart of gold"--a social worker pimp, of sorts! However, over time, he becomes harder and badder and colder--so that you really can't like him or justify his life.
At the same time, two crooked and racist White cops are shown throughout the film. Their job, it seems, is to make life tough for Goldie and prove to the audience that White cops are devils--and they do a good job of this! They are the stereotypical blaxploitation cops--even going so far as killing the only good cop (a Black one, naturally) in the film.
Eventually, Goldie becomes so big, so violent and creates so many enemies you aren't sure which one will eventually kill him--the Fat Man, the two psycho cops or one of the other pimps. This leads to some amazing action--though you are left rather cold because every single one of them are dirt and it's hard to care at all about them. Heck, I just wanted to see them all die!
The bottom line is that for the genre, this is a pretty good film but has rather horrible values. Unlike more positive films like HAMMER, COFFY and FOXY BROWN, this one tends to glorify, to a degree, a societal leech. If you like this style film and want to root for a low-life, also try SUPER FLY.
FYI--Years ago, when I watched I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA, I laughed at Fly Guy and the section on the "Pimp of the Year" competition--not realizing that character was taken straight from THE MACK.
At the same time, two crooked and racist White cops are shown throughout the film. Their job, it seems, is to make life tough for Goldie and prove to the audience that White cops are devils--and they do a good job of this! They are the stereotypical blaxploitation cops--even going so far as killing the only good cop (a Black one, naturally) in the film.
Eventually, Goldie becomes so big, so violent and creates so many enemies you aren't sure which one will eventually kill him--the Fat Man, the two psycho cops or one of the other pimps. This leads to some amazing action--though you are left rather cold because every single one of them are dirt and it's hard to care at all about them. Heck, I just wanted to see them all die!
The bottom line is that for the genre, this is a pretty good film but has rather horrible values. Unlike more positive films like HAMMER, COFFY and FOXY BROWN, this one tends to glorify, to a degree, a societal leech. If you like this style film and want to root for a low-life, also try SUPER FLY.
FYI--Years ago, when I watched I'M GONNA GIT YOU SUCKA, I laughed at Fly Guy and the section on the "Pimp of the Year" competition--not realizing that character was taken straight from THE MACK.
The Mack smooth movie
tedthumb17 October 2008
Robert J. Poole deserves credit for writing clever and gritty lines. This movie was urban before people even referred to movies as urban. Pretty Tony: "You know the name of the game , your bitch chose me." Loved that exchange!!!!! The Mack showed that urban movies way back then had a broader appeal than thought by Hollywood. The whole subculture of pimping has been covered in books and movie. The Mack was far a head of it's time and place. I never understood why people would get offended over The Mack. Writer Robert J. Poole did not invent pimping. It's been there, Prostitution is the oldest profession. The Mack has intelligent writing.
A bit slack
p-stepien25 August 2010
Said be one of the seminal blaxploitation movies ever made I must say I will probably never become a fan of the genre. Goldie (Max Julien) has just left prison after serving 5 years in state penitentiary. On his return his is offered the opportunity to become a pimp. With hope to better his existence he agrees and quickly becomes one of the best in the business with 10 girls to his name. He improves not only his life but also that of his mother. All this success garners unwanted interest of the local drug distributors, rival pimps and corrupt cops wanting some greasing. On the other side of this is Goldie's older brother Olinga (Roger E. Mosley), who is a black activist trying to clean up the streets from drugs, prostitutes and crime.
The influence this movie had on hip hop and pimpdom is quite obvious. The costumes and the moves of artists such as Snoop Dogg are all The Mack. But in hindsight was this movie really deserving all its praise? Yes, it has some very interesting quirky scenes (especially those involving cops) and all in all remains a fun, if outdated watch. But watching it now I don't seem to be able to find the magic behind the movie. The storytelling is very disjointed and jumpy with a whole lot of sequences happening chaotically and with no purpose. The dramatic flow of the movie is severely lacking and as such I never felt pulled into the story, which left me watching it not too intently by the second hour.
Acting is definitely a big plus of the movie and everyone from the cast does a standout job. Some of the scenes are definitely worth note, but the movie as a whole stumbles and crawls all too often to really make you want to rewatch the flick.
The influence this movie had on hip hop and pimpdom is quite obvious. The costumes and the moves of artists such as Snoop Dogg are all The Mack. But in hindsight was this movie really deserving all its praise? Yes, it has some very interesting quirky scenes (especially those involving cops) and all in all remains a fun, if outdated watch. But watching it now I don't seem to be able to find the magic behind the movie. The storytelling is very disjointed and jumpy with a whole lot of sequences happening chaotically and with no purpose. The dramatic flow of the movie is severely lacking and as such I never felt pulled into the story, which left me watching it not too intently by the second hour.
Acting is definitely a big plus of the movie and everyone from the cast does a standout job. Some of the scenes are definitely worth note, but the movie as a whole stumbles and crawls all too often to really make you want to rewatch the flick.
Pimpin Ain't Easy, Oak Town Style
ahertz-222 March 2001
If you want to get an insider's glimpse into the world of pimpin', look no further than "The Mack." Often compared to the other, better known black movies of the 1970's, which tend to focus more on drugs and street justice, "The Mack" incorporates both of those elements, but with a heavy focus on pimpin'. It gives outsiders a glimpse into the life of a pimp through the eyes of 1973's official Pimp of the Year, Goldie ("The Mack" shows that this dubious title is actually given out in an annual event, one similar to the Oscars). Goldie's strengths are his strong pimp hand, which he uses early and often, and the fact that he always gets his percentage on time (as in "woman better have my percentage"). Although his brother (fyi: one of magnum p.i.'s sidekicks)dedicates his life warning people about pimps and drug pushers, Goldie continues his lavish lifestyle, going so far as to bring his women to the annual Pimp Softball and Barbeque Outing (for a pimp, Goldie sure knows how to swing the lumber). But, with a tragic ending, Goldie must examine his life and is forced to make a huge decision.
If you are looking for great acting, a movie where you can hear what the people are saying (everyone speaks really softly), or good music, look elsewhere. Also, although Richard Pryor gets second billing in this movie, he is seen in the movie less than a pimp in daylight.
On the other hand, I think the strengths of this movie are the costumes and the "pimp insight" one can gain. If you want a crash course on what it takes to be a respected pimp (fine clothes, ability to wear sunglasses during all hours, have an unruly afro, kill people using dynamite, play a lot of craps and three card monty), then look no further than "The Mack". However, if that is not your intended goal, look further, look much much further.
If you are looking for great acting, a movie where you can hear what the people are saying (everyone speaks really softly), or good music, look elsewhere. Also, although Richard Pryor gets second billing in this movie, he is seen in the movie less than a pimp in daylight.
On the other hand, I think the strengths of this movie are the costumes and the "pimp insight" one can gain. If you want a crash course on what it takes to be a respected pimp (fine clothes, ability to wear sunglasses during all hours, have an unruly afro, kill people using dynamite, play a lot of craps and three card monty), then look no further than "The Mack". However, if that is not your intended goal, look further, look much much further.
They wanted the honey-all we want is the money!
zong7 November 2001
This is one of the greatest movies you will ever get the chance to see. Goldie is now my idol, and he is a fine role model for young Americans. Just look at how he brainwashed those hos via footage of outer space and sonic music. What a player! Ever since I saw this movie, I've decided to wear a hat with every outfit I put on. If you're not entertained by the plethora of smooth one-liners, or Goldie's five-foot cane, then you must surely enjoy scene after scene of disrespect to the Oak-town Hos-my favorite is when "Pretty Tony" promptly beats down one of his hos with his own hat after she presents him with an amount of cash that is apparently not acceptable for a four-hour shift on the street corner...what a slacker. I give The Mack 4 pimpslaps. And to leave you with words of wisdom from our hero, Goldie: "Get out there and get me my money. I don't care how long it takes, just get it
Can you buy that?
forklift-ny5 October 2002
Great movie, with gritty realism. Not blaxploitation in the vein of "Blacula", "Truck Turner" or "Black Frankenstein".
Recently got the DVD, cleaned up nicely. Contains the documentary "Mackin' Ain't Easy", which tells the story of the macking, er, making of "The Mack", with the Hill Brothers, from Oakland's underworld, helping to make the movie, while Huey Newton & the Black Panthers trying to stop it.
Again, this is a great movie, and a fine addition to any DVD collection.
Recently got the DVD, cleaned up nicely. Contains the documentary "Mackin' Ain't Easy", which tells the story of the macking, er, making of "The Mack", with the Hill Brothers, from Oakland's underworld, helping to make the movie, while Huey Newton & the Black Panthers trying to stop it.
Again, this is a great movie, and a fine addition to any DVD collection.
"You a rest Haven for Hoes"
The_Sun_Toucher9 July 2000
Considered to be one of the classic "Blaxploitation" films, this movie has amassed a huge cult following and has been immortalized by countless rap artists (Too Short and Ghost Face Killah o name a few)and has even been referenced in other movies ("True Romance"). Although, after recently seeing it again for the first time in eight years, it's hard to see why. Aside from some pretty funny (and colorful) dialogue (which is peppered with ghetto philosophy) this movie has almost nothing to recommend it. At least "Superfly" and "Shaft" had great music and charismatic heroes. All "The Mack" has is some of the poorest acting I have ever seen by an all black cast and some hilariously tacky wardrobes (even by 70's standards). Not to mention a predictable plot that moves at a snails pace( the only interesting element of which is the "players Ball"). The Soundtrack by Willie Hutch is also a disappointment. It doesn't even come close to the moody, emotional work that Curtis Mayfield did for "Superfly", or Marvin Gaye's memorable score for "Trouble Man". It's about as laughable as anything else in this film. I've often heard fans of this film refer to it's portrayal of the pimp trade as authentic(as I understand it, the cast includes real pimps as well as real life Oakland gangsters), but authenticity doesn't always make for a good movie. Maybe the Hughes Brothers should redo this movie and make it a period piece. At the very least they could give it some style, which was obviously to much to ask of this unintentionally funny film. This movie should be required viewing for all African American film students and movie buffs, you could call the class "Missed Opportunity 101: how to make a truly bad movie out of potentially compelling subject matter"
"The Mack" Is an Action Attack!
hypestyle30 August 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Max Julien plays the hero, John "Goldie" Mickens. In prison for a five-year bid for charges that are never fully explained (an associate says it was a set-up), Goldie returns to the streets of Oakland determined to make his mark again. You see, Goldie was a pimp, and he has full intention of going back to the trade that made him a living legend. Of course, in the years since his incarceration, the streets of Oakland have pretty much stayed the same. Crime and poverty still hold the ghetto in a tight grip. In particular, the drug scourge of heroin is at an epidemic level. Goldie's estranged brother Olinga (Roger Mosley) has joined a militant activist sect who want to rid the ghetto of all forms of negative influences, including pimps. In Goldie's rationale however, the sex trade is an acceptable vice, but drugs have to go. So he recruits a former working girl of his, Lulu (Carol Speed) to be his 'number one': Goldie then begins building up his harem of hookers, while Lulu coaches them in the fine art of boosting (aka shoplifting). Richard Pryor is Slim, Goldie's loyal friend and confidant. Before long, Goldie is back to being a prominent purveyor of pandering. He gives out money to neighborhood kids for staying in school, to the delight of the children and the consternation of their parents. His rise has attracted the wrong attention, however. A pair of corrupt police detectives starts harassing Goldie as soon as he is released from prison. They threaten to send him back to jail if he doesn't cut them in on the action. Added to the danger are rival pimps, who may view Goldie's success as a threat to their own. Pryor likely ad-libbed much of his dialogue here, and in a tense scene with the cops, he portrays some poignant vulnerability.
The film is rightfully influential, and serves ironically enough as a career highlight for Max Julien, a former theater actor who had substantive involvement with the development of this film, as well as on "Cleopatra Jones" and "Thomasina & Bushrod" but his own career as an actor and producer seemed to fade sharply right along with the Blaxploitation trend itself.
The film is rightfully influential, and serves ironically enough as a career highlight for Max Julien, a former theater actor who had substantive involvement with the development of this film, as well as on "Cleopatra Jones" and "Thomasina & Bushrod" but his own career as an actor and producer seemed to fade sharply right along with the Blaxploitation trend itself.
A sad commentary on black folk
topsail3322 December 2014
Disclaimer - I'm a white guy. I was a kid when this movie came out.
Watching it today, it is ripe for ridicule:
In only 10 minutes of watching this film, I have seen a black pimp treat black hookers poorly, while he's "dating" a white girl. A black woman even takes exception to this in a Chinese restaurant, chastising him and degrading her AND harassing the Asian restaurant owner.
Were there any "black" films of the 1970's, that had any redeeming value ? And what about black films today ?
I realize this film is a stereotypical view of black life in the hood. But, it should be used as a benchmark for black people, to push themselves away from this garbage and lifestyle. If you compare this to the Asian population - look at how stereotyped this movie portrays the Asian man - a Chinese restaurant owner with broken English. And look in 43 years' time, where Asians are now. They have worked hard, studied, improved themselves, and stopped making excuses (if they ever did) and have become a very successful and productive part of our society.
This movie is just a sad reminder of how little things have changed for some in 4 decades.
Watching it today, it is ripe for ridicule:
In only 10 minutes of watching this film, I have seen a black pimp treat black hookers poorly, while he's "dating" a white girl. A black woman even takes exception to this in a Chinese restaurant, chastising him and degrading her AND harassing the Asian restaurant owner.
Were there any "black" films of the 1970's, that had any redeeming value ? And what about black films today ?
I realize this film is a stereotypical view of black life in the hood. But, it should be used as a benchmark for black people, to push themselves away from this garbage and lifestyle. If you compare this to the Asian population - look at how stereotyped this movie portrays the Asian man - a Chinese restaurant owner with broken English. And look in 43 years' time, where Asians are now. They have worked hard, studied, improved themselves, and stopped making excuses (if they ever did) and have become a very successful and productive part of our society.
This movie is just a sad reminder of how little things have changed for some in 4 decades.
Great film overshadowed by Blacksploitation
jcasetnl7 March 2003
Warning: Spoilers
SPOILER ALERT I can't believe I've never seen this film before. Actor Max Julien plays "Goldie", an ex-con who returns to the streets determined to make it as a pimp in Oakland.
The film was actually shot in early '70s Oakland. Yes, the early '70s, Black Panthers vs Pimps, racial upheaval, everyone get naked next door in Berkeley, warzone Oakland.
The directors and producers needed "permission" from both the Panthers and the reigning pimp of the time, Fred Ward, just to film and premiere the film. Fred Ward appears in several scenes as one of the competing Pimps and without a doubt he's one cool cat.
The story follows the usual pattern. At first Goldie does well, organizes a stable of fine hoes (and they are fine), buys his mom a new house and is pimpin' in the dopest ride I've ever seen. Like any good pimp he keeps the local school kids flush with cash and warns them not to grow up to be like him. They can be doctors, lawyers, whatever. Just don't be a pimp.
Now all the while Goldie is working hard to be the Mack, his brother is heavily involved in the Panthers and trying to improve the community. On several occasions the two brothers clash for obvious reasons. Were it not for the bond of brotherhood they would certainly have nothing to do with each other. But being that they are brothers, they must somehow reconcile their diametrically opposed viewpoints.
This is a strong and well delivered theme of the film. While Goldie seeks empowerment one way, his brother seeks it another way. But it isn't played out like a sanitized, good and evil, afterschool special. Both brothers make valid arguments for their choice of lifestyle. In the end, you just can't knock the hustle.
Goldie has the local cops constantly on his butt for kickbacks and free hoes and they deliver rock solid performances. One of them delivers the best
stream-of-consciousness-drunk-as-a-skunk-with-fat-black-uninterested-hooker performance I've ever seen. Not on par with Gene Hackman's breakdown from heroin addiction in The French Connection 2, but still so good you wonder if he really was actually drunk to do the scene.
Of course it's not long before rival pimps and gangsters get just a wee bit annoyed at Goldie taking some of their territory and put the finger on him. First one of his hoes gets offed. Goldie wastes no time in exacting his revenge. His gang ambushes the local kingpin and injects him with BATTERY ACID. Convulsing kingpin death ensues.
Then a ho belonging to another pimp decides to join Goldie, and for that, the other pimp kills Goldie's mom! Really. Bad. Idea.
Once again, Goldie gets his revenge. This competing pimp carries a cane that conceals a hidden rapier. Goldie, with gun leveled on the guy, orders him to stab himself over and over and then finishes him off with his blazing pistola. He finds out later that it was actually the two white cops that killed his mother, on orders from the pimp. Goldie partners with his brother to deal with them.
Alas, the experience has taken its toll and Goldie decides he's had enough of the pimping game.
What an incredible film. I originally thought this was going to be typical blacksploitation ala Shaft but I was so wrong. First of all, the exploitation elements are kept to a minimum. I know that's hard to believe given what I've said above but it's true. Well-acted and well-filmed, Max Julien delivers just the right amount of cool, the right amount of visciousness and the right amount of sweetness to his hoes and the audience. The result is a fairly authentic blueprint of the Oaktown in the early 70s, the racial struggle, and of course, the pimping game.
The film was actually shot in early '70s Oakland. Yes, the early '70s, Black Panthers vs Pimps, racial upheaval, everyone get naked next door in Berkeley, warzone Oakland.
The directors and producers needed "permission" from both the Panthers and the reigning pimp of the time, Fred Ward, just to film and premiere the film. Fred Ward appears in several scenes as one of the competing Pimps and without a doubt he's one cool cat.
The story follows the usual pattern. At first Goldie does well, organizes a stable of fine hoes (and they are fine), buys his mom a new house and is pimpin' in the dopest ride I've ever seen. Like any good pimp he keeps the local school kids flush with cash and warns them not to grow up to be like him. They can be doctors, lawyers, whatever. Just don't be a pimp.
Now all the while Goldie is working hard to be the Mack, his brother is heavily involved in the Panthers and trying to improve the community. On several occasions the two brothers clash for obvious reasons. Were it not for the bond of brotherhood they would certainly have nothing to do with each other. But being that they are brothers, they must somehow reconcile their diametrically opposed viewpoints.
This is a strong and well delivered theme of the film. While Goldie seeks empowerment one way, his brother seeks it another way. But it isn't played out like a sanitized, good and evil, afterschool special. Both brothers make valid arguments for their choice of lifestyle. In the end, you just can't knock the hustle.
Goldie has the local cops constantly on his butt for kickbacks and free hoes and they deliver rock solid performances. One of them delivers the best
stream-of-consciousness-drunk-as-a-skunk-with-fat-black-uninterested-hooker performance I've ever seen. Not on par with Gene Hackman's breakdown from heroin addiction in The French Connection 2, but still so good you wonder if he really was actually drunk to do the scene.
Of course it's not long before rival pimps and gangsters get just a wee bit annoyed at Goldie taking some of their territory and put the finger on him. First one of his hoes gets offed. Goldie wastes no time in exacting his revenge. His gang ambushes the local kingpin and injects him with BATTERY ACID. Convulsing kingpin death ensues.
Then a ho belonging to another pimp decides to join Goldie, and for that, the other pimp kills Goldie's mom! Really. Bad. Idea.
Once again, Goldie gets his revenge. This competing pimp carries a cane that conceals a hidden rapier. Goldie, with gun leveled on the guy, orders him to stab himself over and over and then finishes him off with his blazing pistola. He finds out later that it was actually the two white cops that killed his mother, on orders from the pimp. Goldie partners with his brother to deal with them.
Alas, the experience has taken its toll and Goldie decides he's had enough of the pimping game.
What an incredible film. I originally thought this was going to be typical blacksploitation ala Shaft but I was so wrong. First of all, the exploitation elements are kept to a minimum. I know that's hard to believe given what I've said above but it's true. Well-acted and well-filmed, Max Julien delivers just the right amount of cool, the right amount of visciousness and the right amount of sweetness to his hoes and the audience. The result is a fairly authentic blueprint of the Oaktown in the early 70s, the racial struggle, and of course, the pimping game.
as smooth as they get
lee_eisenberg8 March 2019
I had read that "The Mack" stars Richard Pryor, and so I wanted to see it just for that. Pryor only plays a supporting role, but that doesn't subtract from the movie at all. Max Julien plays the title character, a suave pimp recently released from jail. Back in the city, he rises to the top, but that's not the end.
As much of a character as any of the actors is the soundtrack. It's some of the coolest soul music that you'll ever hear, and it matches the action perfectly. This movie has it all: afros, revolutionaries (with lines lifted from speeches by Black Panthers), racist cops, and more. Anyone who enjoys blaxploitation flicks can't afford to miss this one. You're sure to love it.
As much of a character as any of the actors is the soundtrack. It's some of the coolest soul music that you'll ever hear, and it matches the action perfectly. This movie has it all: afros, revolutionaries (with lines lifted from speeches by Black Panthers), racist cops, and more. Anyone who enjoys blaxploitation flicks can't afford to miss this one. You're sure to love it.
My favorite movie
elijahwideski20 May 2018
My favorite movie ever. Gets better every time. It seems corny with some spots of promise the first time you watch it but the appreciation level grows. George Murdock, Don Gordon and Carol Speed are hidden gems in a 70s, dare I say it, blaxploitation movie. Quotable as hell with hidden messages. The first ever documented on film Players ball, an awesome battery acid injected death scene, planetarium hypnosis and a guy trapped in a trunk with rats.
Max Julien and Micheal Campus killed it.
A truly unpleasant movie.
mark.waltz12 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Max Julien may have a baby face, but his character is pretty vile. Anyone who leaves a man locked in a car trunk with a plastic bag filled with rats isn't a hero worth rooting for. He's just gotten out of prison after a five year stretch, and insinuations of his hardships there reveals nothing. Threats by the same police who arrested him after a robbery don't seem to work, and an encounter with a member of the mob has him tossing the "greasy dude" into a dumpster. We're supposed to believe that he's going to survive long enough to start pumping, especially as he abuses the girls who work for him.
The only thing worth recommending about this is Richard Pryor in a supporting role, and he is completely wasted. This only seems to have been made to give black audiences a chance to laugh at the heavyset white fools who hire his girls, only to get ripped off by them, evidence by the guy running out of his hotel room in his boxer shorts, with only group of black people standing there as well as a black cop. An irritating film in every way.
The only thing worth recommending about this is Richard Pryor in a supporting role, and he is completely wasted. This only seems to have been made to give black audiences a chance to laugh at the heavyset white fools who hire his girls, only to get ripped off by them, evidence by the guy running out of his hotel room in his boxer shorts, with only group of black people standing there as well as a black cop. An irritating film in every way.
You wanna be a pimp? Then watch this movie.
PWNYCNY1 August 2006
Warning: Spoilers
There's gotta be a better way for a drug pusher to make a living. The question is what can a drug pusher do to make good money when all he knows is how to be a criminal? Well, just look here! This movie, "The Mack," provides the answer: BECOME A PIMP!!!! But it's not as easy as it sounds, bro. Being a pimp comes with lots of responsibilities and lots of hassles too. First, you need to take care of the local gangsters and you have to take care of the other pimps too, otherwise you'll be encroaching on their turf, and that can ruin the whole neighborhood. Plus you have to be as cool as ice and as slick as oil, 'cause when ya pimping you have to be on top of what's going on and maintain your control, if you know what I mean. Dig it?! So if you want to learn a thing or two about pimping, and what to do to become a "player," then watch this movie. Dig it?
Good Serious Drama
Michael_Elliott18 February 2017
The Mack (1973)
*** (out of 4)
Goldie (Max Julien) gets released from prison after a five year stretch and heads back to the streets where he plans to become the greatest Mack (pimp) out there. His brother is against the idea and wishes he'd do something better for his people but Goldie becomes a pimp and soon has issues with two racist white cops.
The blaxploitation genre was just kicking off when THE MACK was released and it eventually found some new fame when it was used in TRUE ROMANCE. Watching the film today you can't help but rather respect it because it's not really exploitation. Instead of exploitation it really plays out more like an actual drama that tackles various issues that were in the black community. There's no question having a pimp playing your hero is why so many had issues with the genre but THE MACK is a pretty good film.
What I enjoyed the most is the fact that it didn't exploit the situation and instead the movie plays out like a very well-written drama. The Goldie character goes through a lot of changes throughout the film and I thought the character development was rather good. I also thought the supporting players like the pimps, the cops and the brother were also very good. There were a lot of ups and downs for the character but I thought it all played out very well and in a serious way.
Julien obviously steals the film playing the pimp. I thought he gave a very strong performance and one that kept you entertained throughout the somewhat long running time. Richard Pryor was also fun in his supporting role where he once again proved what a good dramatic actor he could be. Both Don Gordon and William Watson are a lot of fun as the racist cops.
THE MACK has some flaws including it running on a bit too long but I think most people will be surprised at how serious the subject matter is handled.
*** (out of 4)
Goldie (Max Julien) gets released from prison after a five year stretch and heads back to the streets where he plans to become the greatest Mack (pimp) out there. His brother is against the idea and wishes he'd do something better for his people but Goldie becomes a pimp and soon has issues with two racist white cops.
The blaxploitation genre was just kicking off when THE MACK was released and it eventually found some new fame when it was used in TRUE ROMANCE. Watching the film today you can't help but rather respect it because it's not really exploitation. Instead of exploitation it really plays out more like an actual drama that tackles various issues that were in the black community. There's no question having a pimp playing your hero is why so many had issues with the genre but THE MACK is a pretty good film.
What I enjoyed the most is the fact that it didn't exploit the situation and instead the movie plays out like a very well-written drama. The Goldie character goes through a lot of changes throughout the film and I thought the character development was rather good. I also thought the supporting players like the pimps, the cops and the brother were also very good. There were a lot of ups and downs for the character but I thought it all played out very well and in a serious way.
Julien obviously steals the film playing the pimp. I thought he gave a very strong performance and one that kept you entertained throughout the somewhat long running time. Richard Pryor was also fun in his supporting role where he once again proved what a good dramatic actor he could be. Both Don Gordon and William Watson are a lot of fun as the racist cops.
THE MACK has some flaws including it running on a bit too long but I think most people will be surprised at how serious the subject matter is handled.
The "Ultimate" PIMP Movie
davesmooth8 October 2004
If you want to look at the orgins of the so called "blaxploitation" movies of the 1970's, then look no further than "The Mack", as one of the forerunners. This movie explored the world of the street PIMP, which during that time, in the black community, was actually a quasi respected way of making a living. Up until that time, PIMPS were just accepted in the black community, however, this movie sort of "glorified" PIMPING, and gave it some twisted form of respectability. Not that PIMPS were looked upon as leaders in the community, on the contrary, they were not. However, with their flashy clothes, cars, and high end living, theirs was a profession that was envied by many. Men wanted to live out their fantasies of having multiple women, and PIMPS provided this escape.
As far as the movie, for the time period, it was good. If you look at it 30 years after, you have to put it into perspective for the period. Max Julien is Goldie, a petty thief who turns to PIMPING upon his release from prison. Richard Pryor is his loyal sidekick, Slim, and together they go from the bottom to the top of the PIMP game. Along the way, you see the Goldie has a heart, it was is really a heartless business.
Of course you have your crooked white cops and some other hilarious PIMPS. (NOTE: Some real live PIMP'S were also used in this movie, so it does have some degree of authenticity) Roger E. Mosley does a great job as Goldie's brother who is against everything that Goldie stands for.
If you are interested in PIMPING, then this is a must see movie.
As far as the movie, for the time period, it was good. If you look at it 30 years after, you have to put it into perspective for the period. Max Julien is Goldie, a petty thief who turns to PIMPING upon his release from prison. Richard Pryor is his loyal sidekick, Slim, and together they go from the bottom to the top of the PIMP game. Along the way, you see the Goldie has a heart, it was is really a heartless business.
Of course you have your crooked white cops and some other hilarious PIMPS. (NOTE: Some real live PIMP'S were also used in this movie, so it does have some degree of authenticity) Roger E. Mosley does a great job as Goldie's brother who is against everything that Goldie stands for.
If you are interested in PIMPING, then this is a must see movie.
Street life
kurciasbezdalas26 October 2008
This movie is a classic of blaxploitation movies. It's also a must see for crime movies fans because it's theme is not so frequent in a crime movies and I can't understand why because pimping is one of the most popular criminal activities. I've seen some other films about pimps but there a pimping wasn't a main theme. This movie is all about a pimping. There are many interesting dialogs and monologues and also a discussions about pimping. Max Julien did great as a Goldie. I also liked Richard Pryor's performance but he didn't get much of a show. So if you are crime movies fan you must see this film because it's one of a few which talks about pimping so openly.
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