The Sophisticated Gents

The Sophisticated Gents
Written by John A. Williams
(novel)
Phyllis Minoff
(story)
Melvin Van Peebles
(teleplay)
Directed by Harry Falk
Starring Sonny Jim Gaines
Bernie Casey
Rosey Grier
Robert Hooks
Ron O'Neal
Thalmus Rasulala
Raymond St. Jacques
Melvin Van Peebles
Dick Anthony Williams
Paul Winfield
Country of origin United States United States
Original language(s) English
Production
Producer(s) Linda Feitelson
Fran Sears
Melvin Van Peebles
Daniel Wilson
Running time 200 minutes
Broadcast
Original channel NBC
Original run September 29, 1981 – October 1, 1981

The Sophisticated Gents is a TV miniseries that aired on three consecutive nights from September 29 to October 1, 1981, on NBC. Its ensemble cast featured a number of African-American stage and film actors, many of whom were customarily seen in Soul Cinema Classic motion pictures in the 1970s. The miniseries is based upon the novel The Junior Bachelor Society by John A. Williams. Although production of the project ended in 1979, NBC did not air the miniseries until almost two years later.[1]

Cast

Plot summary

In the mid-1940s, Coach Charles "Chappie" Davis (Gaines) founded a sports club for African-American boys in the local community, dubbing them "The Sophisticated Gents". The young men became athletic heroes, and formed a lifetime bond with each other and their coach. Twenty-five years later, those members of the Gents remaining in town decide to hold a testimonial dinner for Chappie, who is now 70 years old. The dinner turns into an impromptu reunion, with nine Gents eventually arriving to honor Chappie. However, the legal troubles of one of the Gents could spell danger for all of them and their wives.

Video releases

On March 6, 1992, the miniseries was released on VHS. However, it has yet to be released on DVD or any other digital video format.

References

External links