"The Mack is a 1973 blaxploitation film directed by California native Michael Campus, starring Max Julien and Richard Pryor. The film also stars Oscar-nominee Juanita Moore, and Tony nominated actor Dick Anthony Williams."
"The original script for the film was written on prison toilet paper by a man named Bobby Poole.
While staying in Oakland for two months, director Michael Campus met Frank Ward, a real pimp and drug dealer from Oakland. Max Julien's character of Goldie is based upon him.
In order to shoot the movie, Campus needed Ward’s permission, as a large portion of the scenes were in his territory. In exchange for his guidance and protection, Campus put Ward in the film. All of the homeless people, junkies, pimps and women in the film were supplied by Frank Ward.
Although he had Ward’s protection, the film was also in Black Panther territory. While they were filming bottles and trash cans would be thrown off the roof by Black Panther party members.
In order for filming to run smoothly, an additional deal had to be made with Huey Newton and Bobby Seale, who were then put in charge of providing extras for the film. About halfway through the production of the film Frank Ward was shot and killed while in his Rolls Royce.
There was speculation that the Black Panthers were responsible for Ward’s death, so the filmmakers and cast relocated to safer areas for filming. Despite the tension, the film opening was held in Oakland with all of the proceeds going towards the Black Panthers' milk fund."
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mack
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mack
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Powerful cast of individuals involved in this film, wow. Met the daughter of the man who owned the pool hall used in the film. What solid, awesome, strong young women....and not bad at pool:)
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