Still from Watermelon Man — Watermelon Man (1970) — Melvin Van PeeblesPhotographed by W. Wallace Kelley

Melvin Van Peebles

Watermelon Man

Name: Watermelon Man
Genre: Comedy
Released: 1970
Duration: 100 min

United States / English / 1970 / 1h 40m

Not streamingNot currently on the Criterion Channel.

Comedy

Criterion Collection: Spine №1094
Letterboxd: 3.72/5·9.3K ratings·3K reviewson Letterboxd
Connections: View Connections

Synopsis

A racist insurance agent lives in a typical suburban neighborhood, but his bigoted world of taunting and harassing black people on and off the job is turned upside down when his skin inexplicably turns dark overnight.

Part of Box Set

Melvin Van Peebles: Essential Films

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Credits

Crew

DirectorMelvin Van Peebles

WriterHerman Raucher

CinematographerW. Wallace Kelley

ComposerMelvin Van Peebles

EditorCarl Kress

ProducerJohn B. Bennett

Cast

Godfrey Cambridgeas Jefferson Washington 'Jeff' Gerber

Estelle Parsonsas Althea Janine Gerber

Howard Caineas Mr. Townsend

D'Urville Martinas Bus Driver

Mantan Morelandas Joe the Counterman

Erin Moranas Janice Gerber

Scott Garrettas Burton Gerber

Paul Williamsas Employment Office Clerk

Kay E. Kuteras Dr. Wainwright

Kay Kimberlyas Erica

Irving Selbstas Mr. Johnson

Emil Sitkaas Delivery Man

Lawrence Parkeas 1st Passenger

Karl Lukasas Policeman #2

Ralph Montgomeryas Drugstore Boss

Charles Lampkinas Dr. Catlin

Erik L. Nelsonas Doorman

Donna Dubrowas Receptionist

Frank Farmeras Andy Brandon

Ron Pinkardas Policeman

Double Feature

Streaming now, and why it pairs with this film

Poster for Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song

Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song1971

Both directed by Melvin Van Peebles

Or

The Story of a Three Day Pass1967Both directed by Melvin Van Peebles
Don’t Play Us Cheap1972Both directed by Melvin Van Peebles

Related Films

via Criterion Collection

Bamboozled

2000

Unavailable

The Executioner

1963

Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song

1971

Articles

via Criterion Collection