Yaphet Kotto Movies
African American actor Yaphet Kotto was one of the most prominent beneficiaries of the upsurge in black-oriented theatrical pieces of the late 1950s; he appeared in many prestigious Broadway and off-Broadway productions, taking regional theatre work rather than accept stereotypical "mainstream" roles in movies and TV. Kotto's first film was Nothing But a Man (1964), an independently produced study of black pride in the face of white indifference. Though he vehemently steered clear of most of the '70s blaxploitation fare, in 1972, Kotto produced, directed and wrote the feature film Speed Limit 65 (aka The Limit and Time Limit), a one-of-a-kind "black biker" film. The biggest production with which Kotto was associated in the early 1970s was the James Bond film Live and Let Die, in which, as the villainous Mr. Big, he was blown up in the final scene (a similarly grisly fate awaited Kotto in 1979's Alien). On television, Yaphet Kotto was a regular on the TV series For Love and Honor (1983) and Homicide: Life on the Streets (1992), and was seen as Ugandan president Idi Amin in the 1977 TV movie Raid on Entebbe. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide- 1996
Three homicide investigations -- involving a carjacking, a rape, and a bar fight -- are unfolded in a series of flashbacks from the viewpoint of both the homicide detectives and the victims' families, the latter having formed a support group. A surprise development occurs when the group welcomes a new member -- medical examiner Julianna Cox (Michelle Forbes). Meanwhile, two of the elusive witnesses in one of the three cases compel Pembleton (Andre Braugher), still not fully recovered from his stroke, to embark upon a grueling chase. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
The ongoing investigation of Kellerman's (Reed Diamond) possible involvement in corruption in the arson unit hits the front page of The Baltimore Sun. Even worse, Kellerman may be suspended from duty on the word of an unsavory federal witness -- and not even a polygraph test can determine who is really telling the truth. Elsewhere, Munch (Richard Belzer) and Cox (Michelle Forbes) clash over the cause of death in a homicide investigation, even after Munch extracts a confession from a suspect. And having been booted out of the Lewis' house, Brodie (Max Perlich ) moves in with Howard (Melissa Leo). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
Season five of Homicide: Life on the Street begins with the departure of Captain Megan Russert, who has abruptly moved to Europe after falling for a French diplomat, and with the ascension to full "regular" status of former recurring character J.H. Brodie (Max Perlich), the Baltimore homicide division's official crime-scene photographer. Slowly recovering from the stroke that felled him at the end of season four, Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher) returns to duty on a limited basis -- and with the warning that both he and Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) will suffer if he can't cut the mustard. Elsewhere, Bayliss (Kyle Secor) and Munch (Richard Belzer) wonder how to extract information from the sole witness to a murder -- the victim's pet pig. And in the main plot line, a deranged gunman who has already killed twice takes hostages at a Baltimore middle school, a crisis that will be carried over into the next episode. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
Pembleton (Andre Braugher) is now a father, but he hasn't got much time to celebrate his baby's birth. Lewis (Clark Johnson) returns from his honeymoon and delivers a startling confession to Kellerman (Reed Diamond). And Giardello's (Yaphet Kotto) career is on the line when the state attorney launches an investigation of a wrongful death. This final episode of Homicide: Life on the Street's fourth season ends on a suspenseful note, as Pembleton suffers a stroke while interrogating a murder suspect. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
This episode would seem to be the precursor to producer Tom Fontana's gritty cable TV series Oz. Most of the homicide detectives are dispatched to a maximum security prison, where two inmates have been killed in a riot. Surrounded by several of the criminals whom they put away in earlier episodes, the detectives follow a lead to the possible murderer -- but it turns out to be the wrong man, and more blood ends up being shed. Left behind at the precinct station is Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher), who insists upon hurting his chances to fully recover from his stroke by practicing on the police firing range. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
In the conclusion of Homicide: Life on the Street's two-part season five opener, a tense hostage crisis at a Baltimore middle school enters the second day. It soon develops that the deranged man who is holding several teachers and students at gunpoint is connected to an earlier murder in which a pet pig was the only witness. Meanwhile, Munch (Richard Belzer) refuses to make things easy for Pembleton (Andre Braugher), who continues having trouble recovering from his stroke, both at work and at home. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
An attorney found floating in a swimming pool appears to have suffered a heart attack. Before long, however, a man confesses to killing the attorney, giving up himself and an incriminating videotape to homicide detectives Pembleton (Andre Braugher) and Bayliss (Kyle Secor). Further complicating matters is the presence of the National Security Agency, who serve up a murder suspect of their own -- resulting in a major blowup by Bayliss. Meanwhile, Kellerman (Reed Diamond) is determined to find out who has been stealing lunches from the homicide unit. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
A Black Muslim civilian patrol group, hired to maintain law and order in a Baltimore federal housing project, resents the presence of homicide detectives Lewis (Clark Johnson) and Kellerman (Reed Diamond) when a drug dealer is killed in the project. The two cops also face resistance from one of their own higher-ups, the PC-conscious Col. Barnfather (Clayton LeBouef). Other cases handled by Homicide this evening include the deaths of both killer and victim at a murder scene, as well as Russert's (Isabella Hoffman) investigation of a uniformed officer whose slow reactions may have resulted in an unnecessary death. Future series regular Peter Gerety makes his first appearance as Officer Stuart Gharty. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
A radio talk show host who "dared" his audience to seek revenge for his volatile opinions is found murdered. Investigating the case, Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) and Howard (Melissa Leo) come up with a likely suspect -- or do they? Elsewhere, Kellerman (Reed Diamond) reacts strongly when he is told that Lewis (Clark Johnson) is going to be married, while Munch (Richard Belzer) is convinced that Kellerman is being set up for an elaborate practical joke; and Pembleton's (Andre Braugher) nervousness increases as his pregnant wife's due date rapidly approaches. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
The unit's investigation of six unsolved homicides involves the detectives in a violent drug turf war. Things get worse when a peace demonstration proves to be anything but, and Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) begins showing signs of being close to a total breakdown. And in a more lighthearted development, Kellerman (Reed Diamond) is dying with curiosity over the identity of the person who is currently dating Lewis (Clark Johnson). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
The entire Baltimore homicide squad quietly surrounds the apartment of a suspected serial killer, with all the detectives taking 24-hour stakeout shifts. Forced into closer proximity than usual with one another, the cops begin to unload their pent-up feelings and bare their souls. At least two of the detectives would rather be somewhere else: Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) worries that he won't be able to attend his daughter's wedding, while Bayliss (Kyle Secor) is on the verge of giving up police work for good. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
In the conclusion of a two-part story, Baltimore cop Jake Rodzinski (Bruce Campbell) is the prime suspect in the murder of Kenny Damon, who had been acquitted on the charge of killing Jake's father. Kellerman (Reed Diamond) investigates the case, but withholds details of his findings from Jake's good friend Lewis (Clark Johnson). And in a less crucial development, Bayliss (Kyle Secor) and Pembleton (Andre Braugher) squabble over possession of a cold sandwich. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1996
Although several years have passed, Bayliss (Kyle Secor) continues to be haunted by his first case on the Baltimore homicide unit: the unsolved rape and murder of young Adena Watson. When a 12-year-old girl is assaulted and killed in a manner resembling the Watson incident, Bayliss becomes obsessed with finding out if the crimes are linked -- leading to a bitter argument between himself and Pembleton (Andre Braugher). Elsewhere, the squad's crime-scene photographer Brodie (Max Perlich) messes up an opportunity to express his affections for Howard (Melissa Leo). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
When a ten-year-old is rendered brain-dead by a random shooting in a mall, Pembleton (Andre Braugher) and Bayliss (Kyle Secor) are assigned to investigate the child's "murder." Not unexpectedly, both detectives become emotionally involved in the plight of the youngster's anguished family. Meanwhile, the rest of the Baltimore police force prepares for a visit by the Pope. Watch for a brief and unheralded crossover with the TV series Chicago Hope. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
The sudden exhumation of the remains of a person who was obviously walled up alive reopens a ten-year-old unsolved crime. Howard (Melissa Leo) and Munch (Richard Belzer) follow the trail of clues to a fanatical devotee of Edgar Allan Poe (this is, after all, in Baltimore). Elsewhere, the entire police force learns of the pregnancy of Pembleton's (Andre Braugher) wife, and Munch's date with Dr. Alyssa Dyer (Harlee McBride) takes an unexpected detour thanks to Alyssa's roommate. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
Not all is what it seems as the detectives investigate a hate crime perpetrated by skinheads in a gay community. In other developments, Howard (Melissa Leo) displays an unattractive case of envy when Lewis (Clark Johnson) begins to make headway in an unsolved case left behind by the late Steve Crosetti. And actor Max Perlich takes his first steps toward becoming a full-fledged series regular when his recurring character, J.H. Brodie, is hired by Homicide to videotape recent crime scenes. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
Bruno Kirby guest stars as Victor Helms, a former plumber's assistant who was convicted of murder after causing the deaths of an entire family in a gas explosion. Newly released from prison, Helms has sworn vengeance against the Baltimore homicide cop who put him away: Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher). In concert with his buddy Danny Newton (Richard Newton), Helms conducts a carefully plotted campaign of persecution and harassment against Frank and his family -- a campaign that, unless nipped in the bud, will culminate in murder. This was the final episode of Homicide: Life on the Street's third season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Baldwin, Ned Beatty, (more)
- 1995
A serious rift develops between Tim Bayliss (Kyle Secor) and Frank Pembleton (Andre Braugher) when Tim's cousin Jim (David Morse) shoots a Turkish exchange student whom he thinks is breaking into his house. Upset that Bayliss is willing to accept Jim's self-defence plea, Pembleton becomes convinced that the Bayliss family is rife with inherent racism. Elsewhere, Lewis (Clark Johnson) thinks he has made a clever economic move when he hires his own grandmother as cook for the new bar -- but he's wrong. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Baldwin, Ned Beatty, (more)
- 1995
As indicated by its opening caption, this episode was shown out of sequence with the rest of season three when it originally aired on April 21, 1995. While adjusting to the news that their former colleague Steve Crosetti committed suicide, the homicide detectives divvy up Steve's huge caseload. In the course of events, Felton (Daniel Baldwin) misplaces a valuable piece of evidence, with potentially disastrous consequences for Howard (Melissa Leo). Elsewhere, the detective's new bar proves to be a bottomless money pit, and Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) briefly entertains romantic yearnings for Russert (Isabella Hoffman). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Baldwin, Ned Beatty, (more)
- 1995
When an aging convicted murderer is slated to be executed after 16 years on death row, the condemned man's daughter takes Col. Barnfather (Clayton LeBouef) hostage, demanding that her father's case be reopened. While Bolander (Ned Beatty) races against time to find any shred of evidence that might free the death-row prisoner, Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) and Russert (Isabella Hoffman) try to forget their differences long enough to defuse the hostage crisis. And on a lighter note, new tavern owner Munch (Richard Belzer) may be talked into investing in a microbrewery. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Baldwin, Ned Beatty, (more)
- 1995
The homicide detectives team up with the FBI to track down a serial killer who is moving progressively northward on I-95. The combined law officers manage to capture a man (Jeffrey Donovan) who fits the description of the killer perfectly -- only to find out that they might have the wrong person in custody. And in another development, Giardello (Yaphet Kotto) has an awkward meeting with his estranged daughter. The role of TV reporter Dawn Daniels is played by Rhonda Overby, a real-life correspondent for Baltimore's NBC affiliate WBAL-TV. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
A gas leak at homicide headquarters forces the detectives to temporarily pitch camp at an old bank building, where several bad moods are quickly exacerbated. The many story developments this evening include the negative effect that Howard's (Melissa Leo) promotion has on her colleagues, and Giardello's (Yaphet Kotto) inadvertent dismissal of a key piece of evidence in the murder of an elderly woman. Meanwhile, Pembleton (Andre Braugher) continues to fret over his wife's pregnancy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
In the concluding episode of Homicide: Life on the Street's two-part season-four opener, the discovery of a second body at an arson scene suggests that the fire was started to cover up a double homicide. With Bayliss (Kyle Secor) sidelined by illness, his partner, Pembleton (Andre Braugher), is reluctantly teamed with brash arson detective Kellerman (Reed Diamond), who continues to rub the homicide squad the wrong way when he turns down a transfer offer extended by Giardello (Yaphet Kotto). Meanwhile, Munch (Richard Belzer) and Howard (Melissa Leo) compete for a coveted promotion. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
In the opening episode of Homicide: Life on the Street's fourth season, the viewer is informed that Baltimore homicide detectives Bolander and Felton have been suspended without pay for 22 weeks after their misbehavior at a D.C. police convention -- thereby neatly explaining away the departures of former series regulars Daniel Baldwin and Ned Beatty. The rest of the episode sets up a plot line that will not be resolved until the following week, beginning with the discovery of a charred body at an arson scene. This grisly revelation leads to a clash between homicide cops Pembleton (Andre Braugher) and Bayliss (Kyle Secor), and all-too-glib arson detective Mike Kellerman (played by new series regular Reed Diamond). And in other developments, Pembleton discovers that his wife is pregnant. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Belzer, Andre Braugher, (more)
- 1995
In the first episode of a three-part story arc, Bolander (Ned Beatty), Howard (Melissa Leo), and Felton (Daniel Baldwin) are ambushed and shot down when attempting to serve a warrant. In his efforts to track down the suspect, Pembleton (Andre Braugher) is partnered with a detective who prefers to use a bizarre psychological approach to crime-solving, and is also given a helping hand by Bolander's former partner Mitch (Tony Lo Bianco). Complicating matters is the realization that the shooting might have been averted had it not been for a disastrous clerical error. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Daniel Baldwin, Ned Beatty, (more)
