Coonskin (film)
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Theatrical release poster
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| Directed by | Ralph Bakshi |
| Produced by | Albert S. Ruddy |
| Written by | Ralph Bakshi |
| Starring |
Barry White Charles Gordone Philip Thomas Scatman Crothers |
| Music by | Chico Hamilton |
| Cinematography | William A. Fraker |
| Edited by | Donald W. Ernst |
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Production
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| Distributed by | Bryanston Distributing Company |
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Release date
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Running time
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89 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Budget | $1,600,000 |
Coonskin is a 1975 American live action/animated crime film written and directed by Ralph Bakshi, about an African American rabbit, fox, and bear who rise to the top of the organized crime racket in Harlem, encountering corrupt law enforcement, con artists, and the Mafia. The film, which combines live-action with animation, stars Philip Thomas, Charles Gordone, Barry White, and Scatman Crothers, all of whom appear in both live-action and animated sequences.
Originally produced under the titles Harlem Nights and Coonskin No More..., Coonskin encountered controversy before its original theatrical release when the Congress of Racial Equality criticized the content as being racist. When the film was released, Bryanston gave it limited distribution and it initially received mixed reviews. Later re-released under the titles Bustin' Out and Street Fight, Coonskin has since been reappraised. A New York Times review said, "[Coonskin] could be [Ralph Bakshi's] masterpiece." Bakshi has stated that he considers Coonskin to be his best film.
In the South, Sampson and the local Preacherman plan to bust out their friend Randy from prison. As they rush to the prison, the two are stopped by a roadblock and have a shootout with the police. Meanwhile, Randy and another cellmate named Pappy escape from inside the prison and wait for Sampson and the Preacherman to help them get out. While waiting for them, Randy unwillingly listens to Pappy tell a story about three guys that resemble Randy and his friends. Pappy's story is told in animation set against live-action background photos and footage.
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