Watch Heat Wave

Heat Wave is a dramatic television movie that originally aired on the American television network TNT in 1990. Directed by Kevin Hooks and written by John Herndon, the movie is based on a true story of a devastating heat wave that struck the city of Los Angeles in 1965 and the riots that erupted in its aftermath. The movie features a diverse and talented cast of actors, including Cicely Tyson, Blair Underwood, James Earl Jones, and many others. Their performances bring an emotional depth to the story that is both powerful and thought-provoking.

The plot of the movie revolves around the scorching heat wave that hit Los Angeles in 1965, which left many residents without electricity, clean water, or access to medical care. As the heat wave intensified, tension began to build in the city, particularly in the predominantly black neighborhood of Watts.

Against this backdrop, we follow a group of characters as they navigate the tumultuous events of the summer of 1965. We meet Anna Mae (Cicely Tyson), a community activist who becomes a voice for the residents of Watts as they struggle to stay alive in the sweltering heat. We also meet Robert (Blair Underwood), a young man who is eager to make a difference in his community but who finds himself caught up in the violence that explodes in the wake of the riots.

At the center of the story is Jesse (James Earl Jones), a reporter who is determined to uncover the truth about what happened during the riots. Jesse is a complex and layered character who brings a sense of gravitas to the movie. As the events of the story unfold, he finds himself torn between his duty as a journalist and his loyalty to the community he has come to care about.

One of the strengths of Heat Wave is the way it portrays the complexity of the issues at play. The movie does not shy away from the racial tensions that were present in Los Angeles in the 1960s, nor does it shy away from showing the ways in which those tensions were amplified by the extreme conditions of the heat wave. However, it also shows the humanity of the characters involved, and the ways in which they struggled to do what was right in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

The movie also deals with themes of power, corruption, and the role of the media in shaping public opinion. Jesse's character is particularly interesting in this regard, as we see him struggling to fight against a political and media establishment that is all too willing to sweep inconvenient truths under the rug.

Overall, Heat Wave is a powerful and engaging movie that does justice to the real-life events that it portrays. With a talented cast, a gripping story, and a nuanced exploration of complex themes, it is a must-watch for anyone interested in history, journalism, or social justice.

Heat Wave is a 1990 history movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.