Trick Baby (1972) User Reviews

Well worth your time

[VincentElgar · 8/10 · 8 December 2005]

An interesting, extremely well-performed little movie about a pair of Philadelphia con artists who get more than they bargain for when they cross swords with a corrupt cop and the local Mafiosi.

Trick Baby begins well and builds up midway to a terrific foot-chase through the seamier side of the city. In the second half it starts to run out of steam and becomes a little predictable. Things are bogged down especially by a lengthy scene involving a preacher, who is the only character that strikes a false note. In spite of this the movie never loses one's attention completely. The cast down to the supporting players is excellent: Beverly Ballard particularly shines as a woman used and abused by slick operator White Folks (Kiel Martin) and Dallas Edward Hayes does terrific work as the ruthless and relentless cop.

The use of locations is terrific, and the movie has a rawness and immediacy utterly missing from thrillers today. Minor reservations aside, Trick Baby is well worth a look – 8/10.

A lost jewel from the '70s. Going with the flow...

[pparasxoudis82 · 8/10 · 20 August 2007]

It's a movie about two grifters one black/ one white trying to score big in the '70s around Philadelphia. It has one of the best depiction of male bonding(don't think dirty!!!). One of the best buddy movies ever made. Think Lethal Weapon made on the other side of the law with much less explosions and definitely more subtle. Even better than 48 hours. This movie was made a decade two early.

When movies like Night Moves (1975) by Arthur Penn , The Long Goodbye (1973) and Straight Time (1978)by Ulu Grosbard and Dustin Hoffman were made in the '70s not that many people show them. Now that they are rediscovered people claim that they are small masterpieces. The truth is that they were made within the studio system(funded by them) and for even that decade they didn't seem to find an audience(Straight Time did make some money - according to IMDb - but comparing it with the success that other Hoffman's movies had in the seventies it is a modest one financially speaking). In each one of those three movies there was a big star: Gene Hackman, Elliot Gould and off course Dustin Hoffman.

Trick Baby was also made by a big studio Universal. But it seemed destined to be a blaxploitation movie. Instead the director gave them something much more. It wasn't just a movie for black audience like Shaft , Black Caesar or any Pam Grier movie. I'm not saying that these movies were only seen by African Americans. Just that the intention of the studio was to make as much money as they could from that untapped market when they show the success of Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song (1971) (how much money could be made with such a small investment). But when a movie like this came along they couldn't understand it. It didn't have a strong male lead like Melvin Van Peebles ,Fred Williamson or a sexy one like Pam Grier.

******* Minor SPOILERS !!!!!!! ********************

Instead they got a black middle aged bald man (with no sex appeal at all - just watch the sex scene and you'll understand) and a white dude(!!). Even more the character played by the white man was supposed to be mixed raced. Half black, half white!!! ******* ********************

So you had a movie with two lead actors that none knew them (and their career since then was limited to one TV-Show for each one in the eighties), a movie with no clear message ( it didn't have the bald statements that movies like Sweet... and Shaft had ), it took place mainly in the black neighborhoods of Philadelphia and basically a movie about two hustlers trying to score big. No wonder that no one show this film. But what bothers me particularly is that no major critic had step up and spoke about this film!!! It is not just about the life of grifters. It isn't just a House of Games set in the '70s.(not that the Mamet film isn't close to a masterpiece)

Larry Yust gave us a movie about the elusive American Dream. About the racial tensions of the seventies and what it is to be black. The contempt that white people(especially the upper class)had for the African Americans. The willingness that white people had to exploit everyone else just along as nobody caught them red handed. And most of all is about the black identity issue. What it was for an African American to be growing up and living in a country that didn't felt like they belong to. Trying to make ends meet even by coning someone else. If it was a white dude's money even better. But we also see the relationships withing the black community and how they relate to the whites and people of mixed racial backgrounds. Personally I think that this movie has one of the most interesting descriptions of racial relationships in the '70s. Even the best films of that golden era couldn't compare with the depiction found in this film. And most of all with such a subtle way!!!! Don't be fooled about my ranting. People are being scammed and shot. This is a genre movie. A movie about criminals trying to make money. Just not the way that Hollywood has made us used to. No explosions, no unnecessary gunfire and car chases. Just the right amount.

Finally what I'm trying to say is that this is a minor masterpiece of that era. It belongs up there with the movies mentioned above. People should see this movie. If you come across a DVD. Bye it immediately!! I just hope that more people will found about this film. It is kind of depressing that film scholars and critics are always finding out hidden gems(overlooked masterpieces) from earlier decades and so long no one has step up to write about this movie. It deserves to be rediscovered.

Enjoy!

On the money 70's crime drama winner

[Woodyanders · 8/10 · 10 February 2012]

Shrewd black veteran "Blue" Howard (a fine performance by Mel Stewart) and his equally wily mulatto young protégé Johnny "White Folks" O'Brien (an excellent portrayal by Kiel Martin) are a couple of ace con men who have just pulled off the biggest scam of their lives. However, Blue and Folks have to evade both brutal corrupt cop Dot Murray (a first-rate turn by Dallas Edward Hayes) and several vengeful mobsters while sweating out 24 hours in order to pick up their money. Director Larry Yust, who also co-wrote the crafty and involving script with A. Neuberg and T. Raewyn, does a commendable job of adapting Iceberg Slim's novel: Yust makes terrific use of the authentically gritty Philadelphia locations, relates the gripping story at a brisk pace, but still manages to spend some time developing the sharply drawn characters, maintains a tough, hard-edged tone throughout, sprinkles the barbed dialogue with plenty of appropriately rough and profane language, and delivers a few exciting action set pieces in the lively and suspenseful last third (a lengthy foot chase rates as the definite rousing highlight). The sound acting from the able cast helps a lot: Stewart and Martin display a believable and engaging chemistry in the leads, with solid support from Beverly Ballard as sweet mark Susan, Vernee Watson-Johnson as Blue's foxy and unfaithful wife Cleo, and Ted Lange as Melvin the Pimp. Isidore Mankofsky's cinematography vividly captures the sordid urban environment. James Bond's funky score hits the get-down groovy spot. The surprise bummer ending packs a devastating punch. Recommended viewing.

A very good film about the merits and the risks of lying

[manuel-pestalozzi · 12 March 2003]

Frankly, this film bowled me over. Do not think of blaxploitation but of one of David Mamet's better movies or Federico Fellini's "Il Bidone". It is perfect in every sense of the word. A good, concise story, thrilling from the first second to the tragic ending, unforgettable dialogue, artful location shooting in Philadelphia, interesting editing, fabulous performances by largely unknown actors and a character that should enter the annals of great screen heroes: The hustler and compulsive liar Blue Howard, brilliantly played by Mel Stewart (actors got Oscar nominated for less).

Trick Baby starts with a beautifully minimalistic setting - a stage really for a con trick: In a dreary hotel room that has seen better days, Blue, an elderly African American, prepares the setting (screwing off light bulbs, distributing full ash trays). Then he receives his young partner White Folks ("he ain't white, he just looks it", insists Blue) who accompanies an old white man. Blue plays the part of a hard pressured hustler who has some stones to sell, White Folks the part of the tough guy representing a possible buyer, keeping the price low by menacing behaviour. The old white man falls for it and buys the stones - actually junk - for 10000 dollars.

Luck begins to change soon after that, and Blue and White Folks have to use their talents to keep alive. This does not prevent them from pulling a few con tricks in between. It is convincingly shown that they are actually addicted to it and instinctively spot a good opportunity every other minute. Lying by telling stories that are untrue is presented as an art form and as a strategy to get some meaning out of life. This is done in a moving way and less sarcastically than Mamet usually does. Blue does not hesitate to tell a preacher spontaneously an elaborate story about a fugitive from Down South he has to rescue in order to get the preacher's help - and you can observe how the desparate Blue draws life force from his very telling this lie (you need a lot of acting talent to convey this).

Although Blue and White Folks operate as a pair, Blue is the main character of Trick Baby. He is the leader of the team. He shows fatherly feelings towards his young partner who Blues claims is the son of a black mother. Blue feels responsible for White Folks when things turn ugly. It is Blue who tries to rescue White Folks who got wounded. He cons himself into an optimistic mood up to the tragic end of the movie and does not give up until his heart stops beating - which makes Blue Howard a hero in a twisted sort of way.

Good enough to make you wish it were better.

[brefane · 7/10 · 3 January 2005]

This is not a blaxploitation film. Based on the novel by Iceberg Slim(apparently a "trick baby" himself),this is an interesting and original twist on the con man theme. And yes,it could have influenced Mamet. The con men, their relationship with Dot(Dallas Edward Hayes) and the real estate swindle bring to mind Mamet's House of Games and Glengary Glenross. Trick Baby contains serious social and moral implications that make it more akin to Felini's Il Bidone(The Swindlers)than to either Skin Game(71) or The Sting(73). The basic problem for me is that the plot doesn't build from the character and milieu established in the first half of the film. The second half becomes somewhat typical,sacrifices characterization for action,and meanders. The scene with Reverend Josephus, goes on too long and kills the momentum. One of the stings, involving a man and a deliberately dropped wallet is confusing because it's not clear how the con works. Kiel Martin and Mel Stewart never break character,work well with and against each other, and Hayes is terrific. The rest of the cast varies in quality. The settings and locations are evocative and well-chosen. Larry Yust's direction, like the editing, is not consistently good. An interesting and watchable film that deserves more attention. Let's hope for a DVD release.

Not really a blaxploitation film

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 28 July 2008]

While this movie is set mostly in the Black neighborhoods of Philadelphia, many of the Whites are quite prejudiced and many of the actors are Black, this really isn't a blaxploitation film--though Netflix has categorized it that way on its web site. Instead, it's like a more modern version of THE STING with a multiracial cast.

Mel Stewart ("Henry Jefferson" from ALL IN THE FAMILY) and Kiel Martin star as con-men who swindle the wrong man. The old guy they cheat out of $10,000 suffers a fatal heart attack when he realizes he was swindled AND he's the uncle of a mob boss--who now has ordered the deaths of these cons. However, unlike THE STING, there is some rough language, nudity and a very, very downbeat ending. I enjoyed the film and appreciated seeing these two lesser name actors getting a chance to play leads, but hate seeing it branded with the label "blaxploitation" because many take this to mean that the film is cheap and formulaic--which it certainly isn't. Hardly a great film, it is still well worth a look for an interesting story.

The suggestion that not all black men on screen are as lily-white – or should it be black? – is excellently demonstrated in "Trick Baby."

[Nazi_Fighter_David · 7/10 · 11 January 2009]

The story is that of two con-men: White Folks (Kiel Martin), who had a black mother and a white father and whose skin is white; and Blue Howard ( Mel Stewart), a grizzled black veteran who has taught his young protégé everything he knows about the art of dishonest tricks…

Together they cheat the Mafia and the police; they make $10,000 and have to give some of it away to the local black protection retailer; they set up a confidence property deal to get by fraud some over-greedy white businessmen out of $150,000, but cannot quite shield the stolen loot…

The distinguished trait of the film is that not all the blacks are all good, and not all the whites are all bad… What is more, it makes a point of showing that black men can play on their color to win their own ends

Trick Baby has fine performances by Kiel Martin and especially Mel Stewart

[tavm · 8/10 · 24 February 2018]

After years of knowing about this movie and also knowing it was on YouTube, I finally decided to watch this just now there. It stars Kiel Martin-who would later be known as Detective LaRue on "Hill Street Blues"-and Mel Stewart-who was on the No. 1 TV show "All in the Family" as Henry Jefferson during this period. They play a couple of con men exploiting the attitudes of certain white people in order to bilk them of lots of money. But one of those scams comes back to haunt them. I'll stop there and just say that this was quite fun and a little sad when the ending comes. Martin is smooth playing the son of mixed races passing for white while Stewart shows more range here than he did on "All in the Family" and other TV shows he did after that. This was made during the "Blaxploitation" era of the early '70s but the dialogue suggests more of a noir feeling not unlike some '40s movies since they also deal with crooked cops and the mafia. So on that note, I recommend Trick Baby.

Managed to Pass the Time

[Uriah43 · 5/10 · 12 November 2013]

Two con-men in Philadelphia by the name of "Blue Howard" (Mel Stewart) and "White Folks" (Kiel Martin) find that they may have gone too far when they conned an older white man out of $10,000. What they didn't count on was the man having a heart attack and being the father of the local mafia godfather. Yet instead of lying low or possibly fleeing the city both Blue and Folks decide to continue in their trade. Anyway, while not necessarily as good as some of the other "blaxploitation" films of this particular time it managed to pass the time for the most part. But that's about all I can say as there really wasn't anything spectacular or memorable about it. For what it's worth though I thought Vernee Watson-Johnson (as "Cleo Howard") looked nice and probably should have been given a bit more film time. But that's just my opinion. In short, I suppose it deserves an average rating.

Stewart and Martin are a winning pair.

[Hey_Sweden · 8/10 · 16 September 2017]

Based on the novel by Robert Beck (who uses the truly awesome pseudonym "Iceberg Slim"), this is a very fine crime drama, set and shot entirely in Philly. Mel Stewart ('Scarecrow and Mrs. King') and Kiel Martin ('Hill Street Blues') are engaging as a black veteran con artist and his supposedly half black protégé. They are generally successful at their trade, but they end up buying trouble for themselves when one of their marks turns out to be the uncle of a mob boss. (Naturally, the mobster wants revenge.) They also get mixed up with a crooked detective (Dallas Edward Hayes), and try for a hefty payday with a shady land development deal.

While at first glance, this might *seem* like blaxploitation, it isn't really. It's more of a modern urban predecessor to "The Sting" with an integrated cast. It's fundamentally an entertaining story, well told by co-screenwriter and director Larry Yust ("Homebodies"). It's violent, but not violent enough to turn off more squeamish viewers, and it's sexy without ever becoming overtly sleazy. It benefits a lot from the Philly location shooting, and the story keeps you hooked, wondering what will become of our anti-heroes. "Folks" (Martin) does worry that they are getting in over their heads, and urges "Blue" (Stewart) to try to leave the life. Blue, however, is much too enticed by the prospect of what waits for them inside a safety deposit box.

"Trick Baby" (the title refers to people such as Folks) has some very enjoyable dialogue, and solid atmosphere. At the heart of the film is the excellent chemistry between Stewart and Martin. Hayes is superb in support, and there's an appealing supporting performance by the sexy young Vernee Watson ('The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air') as Blues' much younger wife. Future 'Love Boat' bartender Ted Lange plays a pimp, and Thomas Anderson & Clebert Ford make the most out of their brief appearances. The music by James Bond is as delightful as any you'll hear in the blaxploitation genre.

Well worth a look for any lover of movies about con artists.

Eight out of 10.

In the con game, a trick is a treat!

[mark.waltz · 5/10 · 31 January 2024]

It's not exactly believable, but it sure is fun. Presentation is everything when you're attempting a con, and for the very light skinned Kiel Martin (black mother, white father), he has an educated clean cut look that veteran black conman Mel Stewart utilizes to scam some very racist white businessmen with a phony land deal.

Martin is as realistically white as Robert Redford so he's a great front man whom Stewart has trained, but what they don't count on is a detective on their case and some vindictive gangsters. Vernee Watson is Stewart's much younger wife (giving Stewart a very cringe love scene) and Beverly Ballard is Martin's white lover who doesn't even cringe at Martin's background.

One key scene has a group of white businessmen who discuss ways of utilizing educated black men to cause friction within their own community, an interesting theory that provokes thought. Both Martin and Stewart are likeable enough to root for, but after a while, the plot seems to just stretch too thin. Definitely a period piece that deserves at least a one off viewing.

Different Type of Blaxploitation

[Michael_Elliott · 9 September 2010]

Trick Baby (1972)

** 1/2 (out of 4)

Minor blaxploitation movie about black man "Blue" Howard (Mel Stewart) and white man "Folks" O'Brien (Kiel Martin), a couple con men who work well together because of their different race. Blue has been teaching Folks the business from an early age and both are onto a major score but soon they have a dirty cop and the mob on them. Those expecting exploitation might walk away disappointed because this film is more drama than anything else. While watching the film you might be thinking of THE STING but it's important to note that this movie did come first but don't expect the same type of quality. I think the biggest problem with this movie was the screenplay that just doesn't do enough for the actual sting. The first scam the guys pull is a pretty nice one but the main one just didn't draw my attention too much. The screenplay didn't seem to know what direction it wanted to go into and we get a couple side stories that are never really explored and this includes a female that Folks hooks up with and she pretty much becomes obsessed with him in a weird scene inside a hotel room. I'm still trying to figure out how and why she got so obsessed with him but that's just something that was never explained. Blue also has a relationship going on but it adds up to very little. What makes the film worth viewing are the two lead actors. Neither man got to play the lead too often in their careers but both take the opportunity and run with it. Most will remember Stewart as Henry Jefferson in ALL IN THE FAMILY and he turns in a wonderful performance here. I thought he was quite charming and really played that wiser old guy perfectly. Martin also turned in a very good performance and the two really do work magic together as you believe they're really intelligent enough to pull this stuff off and we believe that they know what to work with each other. The film has the unique situation of Folks being half-black but he looks so white that no one believes it. The way the race tensions are shown here are pretty interesting and added a few nice situations. TRICK BABY is one of those films that contains some very good things but at the same time you can't help but wish you had enjoyed it more.