Black Joy (1977) - Blu-ray Forum

GlacierTuba · 11-02-2023, 10:51 PM

This was surprisingly good. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this film but really did enjoy it.

Norman Beaton is very good in a leading role, but I think he's upstaged here by the legendary Floella Benjamin who really steals the show in a very rare film role, particularly towards the end of the film where David gets a bit of a rude awakening. Floella in Playschool with Humpty Dumpty this is most certainly not!

Trevor Thomas is decent here in the lead role alongside Dawn Hope. He really conveys a sense of innocence and naivety. Sometimes it comes across a bit stilted though so I'd knock the film a point or two for that. It's worth reiterating that Benjamin is superb in this and I love the liberal use of Patwah!

Black Joy has an absolutely stellar soundtrack. The amount of red tape for this disc must be through the roof as the entire runtime is just filled with hit after hit, plus a live performance by The Real Thing!

Little titbit to look out for later in the film, some scenes are shot in Margate. I couldn't help but get a flash forward to 1989. You'll see a few familiar locations from the Jolly Boys Outing!

The film seems to come across as a bit of a comedy mish mash but also conveys a sense of bleakness and tension. It shows a time in history of racial tension, life at the end of the Windrush generation era , culture, music and a London undergoing great change. It doesn't always work and feels like it is hampered by a shoestring budget at times. Its not a failure though and a film I'd thoroughly recommend watching.

Shame it's now out of stock and deleted by Indicator. If you can find a copy at a non-scalper price, snap it up. Well worth a viewing.

Oh and by the way, watch the extras, they are plentiful and excellent. I never knew Floella Benjamin was approached to be a Playboy centerfold and turned it down!

ParanormonWisdom · 11-04-2023, 05:09 PM

Will second that this is a pretty darn good film. Well worth picking up (bought it on release day myself)

Plenty of interest to fans of British and indeed London films, killer soundtrack and randomly an appearance by ex-Bonzo Dog Band frontman Vivian Stanshall of all people as a receptionist in a Salvation Army type hostel.

GlacierTuba · 11-06-2023, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ParanormonWisdom

Will second that this is a pretty darn good film. Well worth picking up (bought it on release day myself)

Plenty of interest to fans of British and indeed London films, killer soundtrack and randomly an appearance by ex-Bonzo Dog Band frontman Vivian Stanshall of all people as a receptionist in a Salvation Army type hostel.

Great to hear another postive take on this little film!

I think I saw something in the Indicator booklet about a soundtrack disc? I'd need to double check that. If there is one, I will certainly get it as the OST is brilliant.

It reminded me a little of Party Party (1983) which has one of the most amazing, mind-bogglingly good soundtracks ever compiled for a film. Alas it's stuck in DVD limbo with a shonky 4:3 release, my guess is because of possible red tape with regards the soundtrack

Talking of which, the fact Elvis Costello disowned the title song he wrote for the film, and that the only way to actually hear it is on the film as it's unavailable anywhere else, may have something to do with it.

Not sure why he did that as there is no record of him having a falling out with anyone who made the film. I just think he wasn't particularly happy with the song he wrote?

Hopefully more folks picked up Black Joy before it was deleted and sold out everywhere.

gouryella · 11-07-2023, 04:24 PM

I have only seen this once, when I was kid on a small black and white tv. So I've never seen it in colour! I think it was on late night i.e. early morning on Central TV in the 80's. I remember enjoying it and being shocked Floella Benjamin was in this having only known her from Play School at the time. I must rewatch it soon.

Django100 · 11-09-2023, 12:25 AM

I snagged a cheap one on e-bay the other week. Looking forward to watching it.

GlacierTuba · 01-08-2025, 05:40 PM

Just a heads up. This deleted Indicator title is now available on Sky Cinema in the UK/Ireland. You can watch it via Sky telly or the NOW app. It looks like the same source from Indicator.

You're welcome.

11-02-2023, 10:51 PM	#1
GlacierTuba Power Member Member since:Apr 2023	Black Joy (1977) This was surprisingly good. I had absolutely no idea what to expect from this film but really did enjoy it. Norman Beaton is very good in a leading role, but I think he's upstaged here by the legendary Floella Benjamin who really steals the show in a very rare film role, particularly towards the end of the film where David gets a bit of a rude awakening. Floella in Playschool with Humpty Dumpty this is most certainly not! Trevor Thomas is decent here in the lead role alongside Dawn Hope. He really conveys a sense of innocence and naivety. Sometimes it comes across a bit stilted though so I'd knock the film a point or two for that. It's worth reiterating that Benjamin is superb in this and I love the liberal use of Patwah! Black Joy has an absolutely stellar soundtrack. The amount of red tape for this disc must be through the roof as the entire runtime is just filled with hit after hit, plus a live performance by The Real Thing! Little titbit to look out for later in the film, some scenes are shot in Margate. I couldn't help but get a flash forward to 1989. You'll see a few familiar locations from the Jolly Boys Outing! The film seems to come across as a bit of a comedy mish mash but also conveys a sense of bleakness and tension. It shows a time in history of racial tension, life at the end of the Windrush generation era , culture, music and a London undergoing great change. It doesn't always work and feels like it is hampered by a shoestring budget at times. Its not a failure though and a film I'd thoroughly recommend watching. Shame it's now out of stock and deleted by Indicator. If you can find a copy at a non-scalper price, snap it up. Well worth a viewing. Oh and by the way, watch the extras, they are plentiful and excellent. I never knew Floella Benjamin was approached to be a Playboy centerfold and turned it down! Last edited by BigNickUK; 11-03-2023 at 11:18 AM.

11-04-2023, 05:09 PM	#2
ParanormonWisdom Banned Member since:Aug 2023 4K collection:12 Blu-ray collection:1160	Will second that this is a pretty darn good film. Well worth picking up (bought it on release day myself) Plenty of interest to fans of British and indeed London films, killer soundtrack and randomly an appearance by ex-Bonzo Dog Band frontman Vivian Stanshall of all people as a receptionist in a Salvation Army type hostel.

11-07-2023, 04:24 PM	#4
gouryella Special Member Member since:Jul 2015 Location:UK Trading Score:2	I have only seen this once, when I was kid on a small black and white tv. So I've never seen it in colour! I think it was on late night i.e. early morning on Central TV in the 80's. I remember enjoying it and being shocked Floella Benjamin was in this having only known her from Play School at the time. I must rewatch it soon.

11-09-2023, 12:25 AM	#5
Django100 Senior Member Member since:Nov 2019	I snagged a cheap one on e-bay the other week. Looking forward to watching it.

01-08-2025, 05:40 PM	#6
GlacierTuba Power Member Member since:Apr 2023	Just a heads up. This deleted Indicator title is now available on Sky Cinema in the UK/Ireland. You can watch it via Sky telly or the NOW app. It looks like the same source from Indicator. You're welcome.

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