Stony Island

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  • PG
  • 1978
  • 1 hr 37 min

Stony Island is a 1978 independent film directed by Andrew Davis and starring Richard Davis, Edward "Stoney" Robinson, George Englund Jr., Gene Barge, Rae Dawn Chong, and Dennis Franz. The film is set in Chicago's South Side in the 1970s and tells the story of a group of young musicians who come together to form a band. The film is named after Stony Island Avenue, which runs through the heart of Chicago's South Side. It was a crucial cultural hub for the city's African American community, hosting jazz clubs, record stores, and other venues that played a crucial role in the development of black music in the United States.

The film opens with Richie Bloom (Richard Davis), a talented saxophonist, arriving back in Chicago after touring with a jazz band. He is not happy to be back home and wants to leave for New York as soon as possible. However, he is drawn into the world of the Stony Island music scene when he meets Stoney (Edward "Stoney" Robinson), a talented drummer who is part of a group of young musicians trying to put together a band.

The group includes Des (George Englund Jr.), a soul singer with a troubled past; Percy (Gene Barge), a veteran saxophonist who has seen it all; and Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong), a gifted guitarist who is the only woman in the group. Together, they form the Stony Island Band and start playing gigs around the city.

The film follows the struggles of the band as they try to make a name for themselves in the competitive world of Chicago's music scene. They face a series of setbacks, including a disastrous gig at a local club and an unscrupulous promoter who tries to take advantage of them. But through it all, the band members remain committed to their music and to each other.

Stony Island is not just a music movie, however. It is also a portrait of life in the South Side during the 1970s. The film captures the poverty, racism, and violence that were part of everyday life for many African Americans living in the city. The characters in the film struggle to navigate these challenges, but they also find joy and companionship in the music they play.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Stony Island is the way it captures the energy and excitement of live music. The performances in the film are electrifying, with the camera moving fluidly through the crowds and capturing the musicians in all their glory. The music itself is a mix of jazz, soul, and funk, with each band member bringing their own unique style to the group's sound.

Stony Island is not a perfect film. The plot can be somewhat disjointed at times, and some of the characters are underdeveloped. But the film's strengths more than make up for these flaws. It is a heartfelt and authentic portrait of a vibrant community and the music that brought it together. Richard Davis' performance as Richie is particularly noteworthy. He brings a sense of world-weariness and gravitas to the role, making him a compelling and sympathetic protagonist.

In conclusion, Stony Island is a must-see for anyone interested in music, independent film, or the history of Chicago's South Side. It is a powerful and engaging film that captures the spirit of a bygone era and the music that defined it. Despite its low budget and lack of star power, it remains a classic of American cinema and a testament to the power of music to bring people together.

Stony Island is a 1978 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 37 minutes.

Stony Island
Description
Where to Watch Stony Island
Stony Island is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Stony Island for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1978
  • MPAA Rating
    PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 37 min
  • Language
    English
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