Robert Townsend

Ricky Belisle is a boy born to first-generation Americans who have migrated north to farm and hold land that cannot be taken away from them. They bring with them the beliefs, manners and stories of the homeland that they have not occupied and in so doing they create a disconnect in Ricky that forces him to begin the exploration that will eventually take him away from the land that has leached into his bones, that has given him the foundation for how...

It is 1953. Danton Larionov, son of NKVD major Wolf Larionov, lives in Suzdal, ancient Russia's capital and spiritual center. Its medieval fortresses, monasteries, and nunneries are now an NKVD Gulag. Screams punctuate the night. Woman's Wood, a tract of ancient forest, emanates deathly silence. The rasputitsa, Russia's spring thaw, ejects those buried in mass graves, brings the murdered to the surface, as if rejecting Stalin's victims buried with...

Set on Chicago's West Side, this moving drama highlights the strength of family and the power of love. The long-awaited day has finally arrived: Holden and Rieta Cole's eldest son Terrell is graduating from college! But tragedy strikes suddenly, and now the Coles are forced to cope with overwhelming grief on top of life's everyday challenges. While Holden battles demons of pain and regret, his sister Janay steps in to help guide her loved ones on...

Darryl Littleton's insightful book Black Comedians on Black Comedy: How African-Americans Taught Us to Laugh serves as the inspiration for Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell's take no prisoners documentary offering a critical overview and insider's perspective on the cultural impact of black comedy. Icons of comedy Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, and Keenan Ivory Wayans, among others, all weigh in on what it means to be a black comic in America, while cultural...

This commemorative edition remains true to the 1970 original text with alphabetical entries defining Townsend's unique, often hilarious and always provocative take on business. Now with a new chapter on leadership, a Warren Bennis foreword, and essays from many of Townsend's influential friends, including Bob Davids, former CEO of Radica Games, former New Yorker editor Robert Gottlieb, and USC professor Jim O'Toole. Includes an afterword by Townsend's...

A revealing look into the tumultuous life of Little Richard, whose groundbreaking music revolutionized rock 'n' roll. Growing up in poverty, a social misfit, his passion, talent and flamboyant style catapulted him into rock limelight. Go through his chart-topping years when he lived the rock 'n' roll lifestyle.

Vocal artist Natalie Cole recounts her own life via reenactment, beginning with cherished memories of her world-renowned father's illustrious singing career, then descending into the deep throes of her heroin addiction.

A timeless story of desire, passion, and betrayal told through song by a cast of today's hip-hop stars.

For queen & country: A veteran turns vigilante when he returns home to find his neighborhood besieged with crime and corruption. The mighty Quinn: Washington stars as Xavier Quinn, police chief of a small Caribbean island whose childhood friend, Maubee, is suspected of murdering a wealthy resort owner. Though doubtful of Maubee's guilt, a reluctant Quinn is forced by the governor to search for his elusive friend, who is in hiding. His investigation...