Watch Mean Johnny Barrows

Mean Johnny Barrows is a gripping action-drama from 1975, directed by prolific B-movie director, Fred Williamson, who also stars in the lead role of Johnny Barrows. Set in Los Angeles, the film follows the exploits of a former Green Beret who becomes embroiled in the seedy underworld of organized crime. The movie opens with Johnny Barrows returning home from the Vietnam War, only to find that he is unable to find a decent job or support his girlfriend. As a result, he falls in with a gang of criminals led by Vic Amato, played by Stuart Whitman, who promise to help him make some quick cash. But when Johnny learns that the gang's activities are not only illegal, but also murderously immoral, he decides to take his chances on the outside.

Determined to make a better life for himself, Johnny finds himself caught between the FBI, who offer him a way out, and Amato's thugs, who want him dead. Along the way, he meets several colorful characters, including Roddy McDowall as Mario Racconi, a gay hairdresser who becomes his unlikely ally, and Jill Ireland as Nancy, a nightclub singer with a heart of gold.

The movie is packed with action, as Johnny tries to stay one step ahead of his enemies while also seeking redemption for his past mistakes. The fight scenes are expertly choreographed, with Williamson showing off his martial arts skills, and the car chases are thrilling and pulse-pounding.

But the movie is also an incisive commentary on the criminal justice system and the plight of African American ex-servicemen in America. Johnny's struggles to find a job and provide for his loved ones are all too real, and his experiences with the police and the criminal justice system are equally harrowing.

One of the standout performances in the film comes from McDowall, who delivers a nuanced and sympathetic portrayal of Mario. Despite his flamboyant appearance, Mario is a complex character who provides much-needed comic relief and emotional depth to the movie.

The soundtrack is also worth mentioning, as it features an eclectic mix of funk, soul, and jazz music that perfectly captures the gritty, urban feel of 1970s Los Angeles. The soundtrack was composed by Perry Botkin Jr., who also wrote the music for other classics like "The Young Americans" and "Bless the Beasts and Children."

Overall, Mean Johnny Barrows is a must-see for fans of gritty, hard-hitting action movies from the 70s. The combination of expertly choreographed fight scenes, thrilling car chases, and a socially conscious storyline make this film a classic of the genre. Williamson, McDowall, and Whitman all deliver standout performances, and the supporting cast is equally impressive. If you're looking for a movie that packs a punch and also has something to say about the world we live in, look no further than Mean Johnny Barrows.

Mean Johnny Barrows is a 1975 action movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.0.