Watch Drum

Drum is a 1976 film that tells the story of a black man named Drum who takes on the plantation owners of the South in the 1860s. The film stars Warren Oates as Hammond Maxwell, a plantation owner; Isela Vega as Regine, Hammond's mistress; and Ken Norton as Drum. The movie begins with Drum and his fellow slaves working on the plantation of Hammond Maxwell. Hammond is a cruel and sadistic man who mistreats his workers, regularly beating them and forcing sexual favors from the women. Drum is determined to stand up to the plantation owner and fight for his people's rights. He secretly begins teaching his fellow slaves how to read and write so that they can communicate with each other without the plantation owners knowing what they are saying. Things take a turn for the worse when Hammond's wife, Augusta, discovers that Regine is pregnant with his child. In a fit of rage, Augusta attacks Regine, causing her to miscarry. Regine seeks revenge and persuades Drum to help her get it. Together, they devise a plan to steal money from Hammond's safe and run away to New Orleans. However, their plan is foiled when they are caught by Hammond and his men. Hammond is furious and decides to make an example of Drum by publicly whipping him in front of the other slaves. Drum refuses to cry out in pain, and instead, uses his voice to inspire his fellow slaves to fight back against their oppressors. Drum's actions inspire a rebellion, and the slaves manage to capture Hammond and his wife. They put them on trial and find them guilty of their many crimes against their fellow human beings. The movie ends with Drum and the other slaves standing over the bodies of Hammond and Augusta, victorious in their fight for freedom. Drum is a powerful and emotional movie that explores the horrors of slavery in the United States. It does not shy away from the brutal reality of what life was like for slaves in the South, but it also shows the strength and resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Ken Norton delivers a powerful and moving performance as Drum, portraying him as a man of great courage and determination. Warren Oates is equally impressive as Hammond, creating a character who is both despicable and tragic. The film is expertly directed by Steve Carver, who brings a gritty realism to the story. The cinematography is beautiful and captures the beauty and brutality of the Southern landscape. The music is also excellent, featuring a stirring score by Charlie Smalls that perfectly complements the action on screen. Overall, Drum is a must-see movie for anyone interested in the history of slavery in the United States. It is a powerful and emotional story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.