Little Richard

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Little Richard

TV-14

2000

1h 37m

Biography

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2 Reviews

70%

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100+ Ratings

Growing up in Macon, Georgia, Little Richard (Leon) discovers music through his church. After winning a local talent contest, Richard is encouraged to pursue a career as a songwriter and performer, and finds success and stardom following his first single, "Tutti Frutti." At the height of his fame, Richard abandons his career in favor of a religious life. His retirement, however, proves to be short-lived, and he soon makes a triumphant return to rock 'n' roll.

John Leonard

New York Magazine/Vulture

Little Richard is mostly Leon's energetic and remarkable impersonation of the rock legend from Macon, Georgia.

Feb 6, 2018

Full Review

Daniel Barnes

Dare Daniel

The Quasar's live shows were legendary, but Townsend shoots them with all the electric energy and excitement of a Madison, Wisconsin dinner theater production of Smokey Joe's Cafe.

Rated: 1/5

Mar 25, 2020

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Audience Member

The film felt a little two-dimensional and superficial in comparison to the man it portrayed, and the occasional montages felt forced. Overall it failed to capture the excitement of what Little Richard created and the depth of who he was as a person. Some good acting, costuming, set design... but generally the film was a fairly ho-hum presentation of a very interesting person.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

02/22/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Leon outdid himself in his portrayal of Little Richard. Leon definitely captured the essence of who Little Richard was. Well worth watching. I highly recommend.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/14/23

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Audience Member

Very good biopic made for TV. I found it really enjoyable and entertaining.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

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Audience Member

Leon did his thing in this one.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/25/23

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Audience Member

Not an amazing rock biopic, but still interesting and obviously full of good music. The best part? The scene where Pat Boone is trying to record Long Tall Sally and the song is kicking his ass. Fab.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Very good biopic made for TV. I found it really enjoyable and entertaining.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/12/23

Full Review

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Robert Townsend

Director

Leon

Little Richard

Jenifer Lewis

Muh Penniman

Carl Lumbly

Bud Penniman

Tamala Jones

Lucille

Mel Jackson

Bump Blackwell

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Synopsis

Growing up in Macon, Georgia, Little Richard (Leon) discovers music through his church. After winning a local talent contest, Richard is encouraged to pursue a career as a songwriter and performer, and finds success and stardom following his first single, "Tutti Frutti." At the height of his fame, Richard abandons his career in favor of a religious life. His retirement, however, proves to be short-lived, and he soon makes a triumphant return to rock 'n' roll.

Director: Robert Townsend
Producer: Iain Paterson
Screenwriter: Bill Kerby, Daniel Taplitz
Production Co: Davis Entertainment, Fox Television Studios
Rating: TV-14
Genre: Biography
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 3, 2020
Runtime: 1h 37m