Louis Gossett, Jr. Movies

In this episode of Story of a People, Danny Glover hosts an in-depth look at the issues surrounding affirmative action. All sides of the issue are given equal time. The same weight is assigned affirmative action's triumphs and its failures. Through interviews with people from a wide variety of ethnic and economic backgrounds, this video sheds light on a divisive issue. ~ Rob Ferrier, All Movie Guide

Made-for-cable and loosely based on Bram Stoker's novel, Jewel of the Seven Stars, this chiller is set in modern-day San Francisco and centers upon a rare ruby. The gem is cursed and its removal from its resting place in Egypt awakens the wrath of a mummy that will stop at nothing to get it back. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Following the death of an American war correspondent (John Rice) in Nicaragua, his best friend, a New York stock broker (Louis Gossett, Jr.) is sent down by the State Department to claim the body. Upon his arrival to the nation's capitol, Managua, he discovers that the body has supposedly already been interred. His suspicions aroused, the stockbroker (who is really an undercover commando) surreptitiously investigates. He soon discovers that his friend (a fellow commando sent down to infiltrate a drug cartel) may be very much alive, but also may be a turncoat. Thus begins a quest that becomes as tangled as rainforest vines. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide

Though almost all actors and directors must struggle to find gainful employment in their profession, this challenge continues to be an even greatest one for many African-American actors. Fortunately, some advances have been made. This film seeks to document the types of discrimination and unique challenges these actors have had to overcome, as well as recent triumphs. Actor Louis Gossett, Jr., hosts this program that uses both older black-and-white film clips, along with color ones, to review the absence and presence of African-Americans in Hollywood productions over the years. As many viewers know, minority actors continue to be hired more often for lesser comedy roles than positive dramatic ones. However, the film remains upbeat as it praises the talented African-Americans who continue to be trailblazers for many others. ~ Elizabeth Smith, All Movie Guide

The fourth entry in the Iron Eagle series follows the return of General Charles "Chappy" Sinclair (Louis Gosset Jr., who deserves better) as he trains a Dirty Dozen-style team of juvenile delinquents to improve their quality of life by flying planes and combatting evil. This time the Air Force itself is the enemy, as the intrepid teens uncover a conspiracy involving biological weaponry. When Chappy contacts his old friend, General Kettle (Al Waxman), he learns the General is in on the action. Along the way, the group manages to combat some ill-prepared drug dealers as well. This installment is better than the second or third, but that's not the highest of praise; Iron Eagle IV is a dumb-dumb fantasy for fourteen-year-old boys who don't yet have their learner's permits, much less their pilot's licenses. ~ Jeremy Beday, All Movie Guide

This program explores the inspirations and accomplishments of African-American men and examines issues they often face in contemporary society. Hosted by Academy Award-winning actor, Louis Gossett Jr., the program emphasizes the importance of clarity, commitment, and caring. Interviews with Robert Guillaume, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Sinbad, Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and Cuba Gooding Jr. are featured. This is one volume in the four-part series, Images & Realities, which examines contemporary concerns and issues faced by African- American people, and discusses how solutions can be found through shared values and a sense of community. ~ Alice Duncan, All Movie Guide

Devoted parents search for their daughter in this strange, fact-based made-for-television movie. Set in the 1850s, Louis Gossett Jr. stars as James Mink, a wealthy Canadian businessman who is married to a white woman (Kate Nelligan). When their daughter is duped into marrying a slave trader, the Minks set out for the American South to track down their missing daughter and bring her back home. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide

Rare archival footage and interviews tell tales of public triumph and personal defeats of the greatest names in boxing -- from Jess Willard in 1915 to Mike Tyson. ~ All Movie Guide

In this tough but literate urban drama (based on a play by Charles Fuller), Zooman (Khalil Kain) is a petty criminal and gangbanger who in the midst of a shootout with other gangsters accidentally kills a nine-year-old girl. The girl's father, Rueben Tate (Louis Gossett Jr.), is distraught over his daughter's death, but becomes even more upset when no one in the neighborhood will step forward to identify the murderer, even though there were many witnesses to the crime. Rueben enlists the aid of the media and posts signs in the community, hoping to shame someone into naming the killer or forcing him into a confrontation. Charles Fuller adapted Zooman's script from his own stage play; he did the same for the film A Soldier's Story. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Based on a novel by William Boyd (who also wrote the film's screenplay), this darkly witty drama explores the political, social, and sexual gamesmanship of a group of British and African politicians. Morgan Leafy (Colin Friels) is a British diplomat who, for the past three years, has been assigned to the British High Commission of Ninjana, an African nation slowly divesting itself of colonial rule. Leafy is an arrogant and frequently confused alcoholic romantically involved with an African woman named Hazel (Jackie Mofokeng). Arthur Fanshawe (John Lithgow), a new High Commission appointee who wants nothing more than to be promoted and moved out of Africa, brings some interesting news to Leafy: massive reserves of oil have been discovered in Ninjana, and if the British want to reap the full profits of this windfall, they will want to stay on the good side of Sam Adekunle (Louis Gossett Jr.), who in all likelihood will be the next president of Ninjana. However, something of a diplomatic crisis has come up; a native woman was struck by lightning in the courtyard of the High Commission's compound, and the locals insist that she cannot be moved until certain time-honored rituals have been performed. At a loss for advice, Leafy turns to Dr. Alex Murray (Sean Connery), a Scottish doctor who has been in Africa for 23 years and is one of the few people equally at ease with both the British colonials and the natives. However, Leafy doesn't seem so eager to seek out assistance in his romantic problems; while he's involved with Hazel, Leafy also finds himself dallying with Adekunle's wife Celia (Joanne Whalley-Kilmer) and Fanshawe's wife Chloe (Diana Rigg). By the way, don't bother looking for Ninjana on a map -- it doesn't really exist. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

Based on the award-winning play by Sam Shepard, this drama offers an unblinking look at a family desperately clinging to the last threads of the American dream. Weston Tate (James Woods) is an alcoholic Viet Nam veteran struggling to hold on to the family's farm; he often brags about his grand plans for the place, but in truth the land is just one step away from foreclosure. His wife Ella (Kathy Bates) is determined to hold her family together, though she often dreams of running away and isn't above sleeping with corrupt land developer Taylor (Randy Quaid) if it will help keep the farm in her family's hands. Their son Wesely (Henry Thomas) has the soul of a poet and dreams of a better life, while his sister Emma (Kristin Fiorella) has inherited her mother's strength, but also her mother's burden in holding the Tates together. Noted filmmaker Bruce Beresford adapted Shepard's play for the screen and served as executive producer; Michael McClary directed. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide

The 16th president of the United States comes fully to life in the one-hour special Abraham Lincoln: A New Birth of Freedom. This PBS program explores the history of the gentle leader from birth to presidency. Lincoln was unlike any other world leader because of his sense of humanity and justice. Raised in the wilds of Kentucky, the tall gangly pioneer educated himself, eventually earning a law degree. His devotion to freedom was played out during his unique reign in the White House. By far, Lincoln's greatest challenge was navigating the Civil War and its aftereffects. Dedicated to the abolishment of slavery, Lincoln fought hard to maintain that ideal while holding the Union together. All the while, he had to fight the possibility of a British invasion. This in-depth documentary features the voices of Andrew Young, Peter Coyote, and Louis Gossett Jr. It offers a rare glimpse into the motivations of one of America's greatest heroes. ~ Sarah Ing, All Movie Guide