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      The River Niger

      R Released Apr 14, 1976 1 hr. 45 min. Drama List
      Reviews 44% 50+ Ratings Audience Score In a poor African-American neighborhood in Los Angeles, once-aspiring poet Johnny Williams (James Earl Jones) takes a low-paying job as a house painter in order to support his family. Already struggling to make ends meet, Williams -- who rests his hopes on his son Jeff (Glynn Turman), an Air Force lieutenant -- grows more despondent when he learns his wife, Mattie (Cicely Tyson), has terminal cancer. Now, Williams must summon the depths of his spirit to overcome his family's plight. Read More Read Less

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      The River Niger

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      Audience Reviews

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      Audience Member The tone of the movie is likewise all over the place. It jumps from surreal dark comedy to second rate melodrama and back again, often in the same scene. The sloppy, unfocused script compounded with the erratic performances helps rob The River Niger of whatever power it could've had. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/25/23 Full Review Audience Member A house painter/poet hits hard times when his son returns home and his wife is diagnosed with cancer. Powerful message though-out drives the almost comic tone of this ultimately very serious drama. Not great, but certainly worth a look for some outstanding performances and social commentary. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/21/23 Full Review Audience Member Several well-known African American actors in this mid-70's film about the coming home of a son from air force navigation school brings some surprises to family and his revolutionary former friends. A film from a different place and time. Lots happens at the end and film ends with too many loose ends. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/13/23 Full Review Audience Member Family goings on in poor urban black neighbourhood of LA. Well-intentioned but less entertaining than a standard blaxploitation, partly because the film is from another time and place. Of interest possibly to hear poetry read in the distinctive voice of James Earl Jones. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/24/23 Full Review Audience Member Painter James Earl Jones is moonlighting as a poet and his poem "The River Niger" is his most emotional yet. Things will come to a crisis when his son (Glyn Turman) returns from the Air Force, his loving wife (Cicely Tyson) is diagnosed with cancer and the neighborhood black rebels take refuge in his house. It's a heavy handed drama with many themes of race, ambition, black power, parental aspirations but the most compelling element is the family drama. Jonelle Allen is radiant as Ann, Turman's fiancee and Hilda Haynes is the cranky dipsomaniac grandmother. Also, along for the drama is Lous Gossett Jr. as the famly doctor. The dialogue is preachy and characters seem to be yelling or trying to outwit one another non-stop. I didn't find the movie entertaining but overwrought. However, it's saved by a good cast especially the sincere acting by Cicely Tyson, Glynn Turman and Jonelle Allen. It was nice to be transported in the 1970s era with afros, pintos, and plaid clothing. However, the movie could have done with some reference of the political times in the aftermath of Martin Luther King. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member a very low, low budget movie, great actors, memorable lines, definitely a must see, james earl jones is the man Rated 4 out of 5 stars 01/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews Post a rating

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      The River Niger

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      Critics Reviews

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      Roger Ebert Chicago Sun-Times The River Niger, a film about a series of crises in an American black family, has good intentions and several very well-acted scenes. But its direction is a mess. Rated: 2/4 Jul 10, 2018 Full Review David Dugas United Press International It is a disappointment, especially considering its stars. Aug 4, 2021 Full Review Ruth Batchelor Los Angeles Free Press The play was award-winning, but as a film, The River Niger is a washout. Nov 15, 2019 Full Review Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat Spirituality & Practice A touching family drama, an exploration of black identity and a moving parable about love Jan 18, 2004 Full Review Read all reviews

      Movie Info

      Synopsis In a poor African-American neighborhood in Los Angeles, once-aspiring poet Johnny Williams (James Earl Jones) takes a low-paying job as a house painter in order to support his family. Already struggling to make ends meet, Williams -- who rests his hopes on his son Jeff (Glynn Turman), an Air Force lieutenant -- grows more despondent when he learns his wife, Mattie (Cicely Tyson), has terminal cancer. Now, Williams must summon the depths of his spirit to overcome his family's plight.
      Director
      Krishna Shah
      Production Co
      River Niger Company, Gossett Enterprises, Asanti Productions Inc.
      Rating
      R
      Genre
      Drama
      Original Language
      English
      Release Date (Theaters)
      Apr 14, 1976, Limited
      Release Date (Streaming)
      Jul 16, 2016
      Sound Mix
      Surround
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