Click to read the article
The Five Heartbeats (1991)
Runtime: 2 hrs 2 mins
Synopsis: Actor-director Robert Townsend came to fame depicting the pitfalls of the Hollywood experience for black actors with his 1987 film HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE. Four years later, he took on the mid-'60s music scene with THE FIVE HEARTBEATS. After doing extensive research with long-lived pop/R&B... Actor-director Robert Townsend came to fame depicting the pitfalls of the Hollywood experience for black actors with his 1987 film HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE. Four years later, he took on the mid-'60s music scene with THE FIVE HEARTBEATS. After doing extensive research with long-lived pop/R&B group the Dells, he painted a cinematic scene of five young friends in the 60s who share the dream of making music. They journey together through three decades, experiencing all the ups and downs show business had to offer, intensified by the difficulties faces by black acts in the era of civil-rights protest. Interacting as everything from a close-knit musical family to occasional bitter rivals, the fictional Five Heartbeats experience both success and tragedy in this excellent film. The multi-talented Townshend functions as both director and star, alongside compelling performances by a cast that includes Leon and Diahann Caroll. Featuring a mix of original songs and classic Motown material, THE FIVE HEARTBEATS is an irresistible combination of music and drama that captures a unique period in American cultural history. [More]
Genre: Musical & Performing Arts
Starring: Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry J. Lennix, Tico Wells
DVD Info
Release:
Oct 1, 2006
DVD Features:
- Region 1
- Keep Case
- Full Frame - 1.33
Audio:
- Dolby 4.0 - English
- Stereo - Spanish, French
Additional Release Material:
- Deleted Scenes
- Outtakes
- Behind the Scenes - 1. The Look
- 2. In the Studio
- 3. The Director's Process
- Featurette - 1. Meet the Heartbeats
- 2. The Five Heartbeats
- 3. The Nomination
- Original Theatrical Trailer
- TV Spots
- Easter Eggs
Interactive Features:
- Interactive Menus
- Scene Access
Text/Photo Galleries:
- Biography - Robert Townsend
Reviews
The charitable might be tempted to describe The Five Heartbeats as wholesome and well-intentioned -- but so is a 6-year-old who just crayon-scrawled "I love cookies" on the living room wall.
An underrated drama about the ups and downs of a Temptations-like r&b group with solid acting and fine music. If you haven't seen it, rent it. It's worth it.
Related Forums
by: stebro 7/4/02


Top Critic