Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

2009 1h 35m EN

🙌

8.0

BANGER

★8.0TMDB · 6

ComedyDocumentary

Synopsis

Spoiler shield

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

“Some stories are better left unspoiled.”

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Cast

Franklyn Ajaye
Self
Angela Bassett
Narrator (voice)
Bill Bellamy
Self
Todd Boyd
Self
Jeff Clanagan
Self
Bill Cosby
Self
Stanley Crouch
Self
Elijah Cummings
Self

Credits

Behind the camera

Director: Robert Townsend
Writers: Quincy Newell
Languages: English
Countries: United States of America

Want more? Switch to Cinephile mode in the header for DP, composer, budget, box office, production companies, keywords, and release history.

Did you know?

Fun facts 🍿

1 / 5

ERA

Did you know

Released 17 years ago.

MoodPlayr · trivia#01

2 / 5

DIRECTOR

Did you know

Editor Skip Robinson shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.

MoodPlayr · trivia#02

3 / 5

CAST

Did you know

Franklyn Ajaye and Angela Bassett and Bill Bellamy carry the top of the cast.

MoodPlayr · trivia#03

4 / 5

WILD

Did you know

IMDB entry: tt1124061 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.

MoodPlayr · trivia#04

5 / 5

WILD

Did you know

Only 6 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.

MoodPlayr · trivia#05

Cinephile deep dive

The take

Robert Townsend directs. Skip Robinson cuts. Runs lean at under 100 minutes. Produced in United States of America. Dialogue in English.

Trivia

Things worth knowing

1Released 17 years ago.
2Editor Skip Robinson shaped the rhythm. On an edit-heavy film, the editor does more to control your pulse than the director.
3Franklyn Ajaye and Angela Bassett and Bill Bellamy carry the top of the cast.
4IMDB entry: tt1124061 — still the authoritative cross-reference for credits and trivia.
5Only 6 TMDB ratings — you're getting ahead of the curve on this one.