Black Rose of Harlem (1996)

March. 01,1996

5.5

| Drama Action Crime

A tragic love story set against the turbulent backdrop of the 1920's Chicago jazz clubs. Georgia, a beautiful black singer catches the eye of mobster Johnny Varona. But Johnny is betrothed to the daughter of mob boss Costanza, a man you don't say no to... and live! Can Johnny and Georgia find a way to fulfill their love -and- stay alive? Or will the mob prove to be an insurmountable force.

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Cast

Cynda Williams as Georgia

[2021] Life Ain't Like the Movies [2020] The Misadventures of Mistress Maneater [2018] Ray Meets Helen [2014] Temporary File [2008] Divine Intervention [2006] When Do We Eat?

Nick Cassavetes as Johnny

[2021] Queenpins [2021] Prisoners of the Ghostland [2011] The Hangover Part II [1999] The Astronaut's Wife [1999] Life [1997] Face/Off

Joe Viterelli as Costanza

[2002] Analyze That [2001] Shallow Hal [2001] See Spot Run [1999] Analyze This [1999] Facade [1999] Mickey Blue Eyes

Reviews

Sleepy-17

1996/03/01

It's ironic when Joe Viterelli as the Godfather-type keeps telling Nick Cassavetes as the trusted henchman that he's "smart" after he's just said some of the most simple-minded suggestions ever heard in New York. Idiotic Italians abound (and it's quite derogatory--Frank Sinatra was right about these stupid, endless Mafia movies) in this black vs. white Romeo and Juliet story. The "jazz" is imitative and lousy, but Lawrence Monoson is quite enjoyable as the sleazy bad guy. Overall, a minus for Roger Corman as producer.