Movie Description
Cleopatra Jones is a 1973 American blaxploitation action comedy film directed by Jack Starrett and starring Tamara Dobson, Bernie Casey, Shelley Winters and Antonio Fargas.
The film opened to a favorable critical reception. Says Los Angeles film critic Kevin Thomas, Cleopatra Jones is ?an exceptionally well-made black action picture?From start to finish this fast-moving Warner?s release is shrewdly calculated and affirms the gifts of its director Jack in bringing style and meaning to the exploitation picture. In her first starring role Miss Dobson more than makes up for her lack of acting experience by her dazzling looks, sultry personality, and unwavering poise.?
Tapping into the Black Pride movement, the irony of using the name Cleopatra to convey a character who was strong physically, but equally feminine and independent, appealed to the urban public. As the queen of Egypt, Cleopatra's role as a leader allowed African American women to identify with Dobson's character and finally call a heroine their own.