Watch Black Heat

Black Heat is a blaxploitation film from 1976, directed by Al Adamson and starring Timothy Brown, Russ Tamblyn, and Jana Bellan. The movie follows the story of Kicks Carter (played by Timothy Brown), a former police officer turned private detective who is hired to investigate the murder of a high-class call girl. As he delves deeper into the case, he discovers a web of corruption that involves both the police and the criminal underworld.

The film is set against the backdrop of Los Angeles in the 1970s, a time when the city was rife with poverty, crime, and political unrest. The streets are filled with drug-dealers, pimps, and prostitutes, and the police are often just as corrupt as the criminals they are meant to be fighting. Kicks Carter is a lone wolf in this dangerous environment, using his wits, charm, and fists to get to the bottom of the calling card left next to the dead girl.

With its gritty urban setting, Black Heat is a classic example of the blaxploitation genre. The movie takes inspiration from the hard-boiled detective stories of the 1940s and 1950s, but adds a distinctly black perspective. The film's soundtrack features funk and soul music, which helps to create an atmosphere of tension and excitement that is perfectly suited to the film's setting.

As Kicks Carter navigates his way through the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, he encounters a cast of colorful characters. Russ Tamblyn plays a slimy pornographer who has ties to the city's criminal underworld, while Jana Bellan plays a street-smart prostitute who helps Kicks loosen the tongues of her fellow working girls. The film also features a number of skilled martial artists, and there are several scenes of brutal, bone-crunching violence.

Despite its status as a B-movie, Black Heat is well-made and well-acted. Timothy Brown delivers a convincing performance as the tough-talking hero, and his chemistry with Jana Bellan is palpable. The film's supporting cast is equally strong, with Russ Tamblyn chewing scenery as the sleazy pornographer and Tony Young bringing a stoic intensity to his role as a rogue cop.

Another highlight of the film is its cinematography. Al Adamson and his crew make excellent use of Los Angeles' various locales, from dimly lit alleys to seedy motel rooms. The film's action scenes are well-choreographed and shot with a keen eye for detail, and there are several moments of visual poetry that help to elevate the film above its exploitation roots.

In conclusion, Black Heat is a solid example of the blaxploitation genre. It has all the requisite elements of a B-movie, including violence, sex, and over-the-top performances, but it also has a certain something extra that elevates it above its peers. With its strong cast, tense atmosphere, and cool soundtrack, Black Heat is definitely worth checking out for fans of 1970s exploitation cinema.