Cast
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Chuck Norris
as John T. Booker
Anne Archer
as Margaret
Lloyd Haynes
as Murray Saunders
James Franciscus
as Conrad Morgan
Dana Andrews
as Edgar Harolds
Soon-Tek Oh
as Mhin
Jim Backus
as Albert, the Doorman
Lawrence P. Casey
as Mike Potter
Tony Mannino
as Gordie Jones
Virginia Wing
as Mhin's Wife
Stack Pierce
as Holly Washington - The Black Tigers
Aaron Norris
as Al - The Black Tigers
Kathy McCullen
as Kelly
Eric Lee
as Bodyguard (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Ted Post
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Good Guys Wear Black distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Ted Post brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1978, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Good Guys Wear Black took approximately 18 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $1.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 95 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 155 minutes long.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 8 weeks before filming began.
- The screenplay went through 12 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 9 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 1978, when this film was released:
- Disco music dominated popular culture.
- Environmental awareness was growing as a social concern.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Good Guys Wear Black shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The 14 Amazons, which focuses more on action than character development, Good Guys Wear Black offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like My Wife Is a Gangster and My Wife Is A Gangster 2 explore similar territory, Good Guys Wear Black stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 1, 1978
- Runtime: 1h 35m
- Budget: $1,000,000
- Revenue: $18,300,000
Where to Watch
