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Little Richard

Play trailer Poster for Little Richard TV-14 2000 1h 37m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.

Critics Reviews

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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 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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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 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 Audience Member Leon did his thing in this one. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review 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 Read all reviews
Little Richard

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Cast & Crew

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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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Little Richard

Little Richard (2000) Little Richard (2000) Little Richard (2000) Little Richard (2000) Little Richard (2000) View more photos

Movie Info

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