Ebony Wright Movies
A former prison inmate finds he can't leave his violent past behind in this sequel to the cult favorite Penitentiary. After earning his parole by winning the prison boxing tournament, Martel "Too Sweet" Gordone is tired of fighting and wants to move on to a more peaceful life, but as a condition of his release, he has to work for Handler Cunningham, a boxing promoter who also runs a gym in Los Angeles. Too Short isn't interested in boxing, and would rather stay with his sister, Ellen (Peggy Blow), and her husband, Charles (Glynn Turman), both successful lawyers who support him in his desire to start his life over. But things take an unexpected turn when Half Dead (Ernie Hudson), Too Sweet's nemesis from prison, escapes with the help of his cronies Do Dirty (Cepheus Jaxon) and Simp (Marvin Jones), and they murder Clarisse (Eugenia Wright), Too Sweet's girlfriend. In order to get justice, Too Sweet returns to the ring, and with the help of a new trainer (Mr. T) and the management expertise of his brother-in-law, Too Sweet is on the road to the championship -- but can he get the big fight before Half Dead finds him? Penitentiary II features cameo appearances from boxing legend Archie Moore, Dolemite star Rudy Ray Moore, and Tony Cox. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Leon Isaac Kennedy, Ernie Hudson, (more)
- 1979
The Evans family is showered with expensive gifts when their cousin Raymond (Calvin Lockhart) pays a visit. The most lavish present is offered to Florida (Esther Rolle): a new, luxurious apartment. But when Florida learns that Raymond's wealth has come from gambling, she wants no part of his generosity. Originally slated to air during Good Times' sixth season, this is one of three episodes that were never telecast by CBS, though all have been included in the series' syndication package. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1979
In the conclusion of a two-part story, it takes a near-tragedy for Florida (Esther Rolle) to convince the mother of Larry Baker (Derek Wells) that her son is suffering from a hearing loss. Unable to accompany Larry to the local clinic for a check-up, Mrs. Baker (Bebe Drake) prevails upon Florida to do so. Unfortunately, Larry takes his mom's absence as "proof" that she doesn't care about him -- so he begins making plans to run away from home. (Jimmie Walker [J.J.] does not appear in this episode). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Part 2, Sounder was the sequel to the 1973 filmization of William H. Armstrong's novel Sounder, with the same scenarist (Lonnie Elder III) but with a different director (Graham) and releasing company (Gamma III). Still set amongst Depression-era black sharecroppers in Louisiana, Part 2 features Harold Sylvester and Ebony Wright stepping into the roles originated in first film by Paul Winfield and Cicely Tyson. They're still struggling against poverty and prejudice, but have now been given a ray of hope by activist teacher Anzanette Chase (taking over from first film's Janet McLachlan). Her school is closed down by the white landowners, who don't want the "coloreds" to get too "uppity." The sharecroppers band together to build their own school, so that their children can learn to create a better world. Musician Taj Mahal is back from the first film, doubling in a supporting role and providing the musical score. Originally designed as a made-for-TV movie, Part 2: Sounder was redirected to theatres instead. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Harold Sylvester, Ebony Wright, (more)
