Just an Old Sweet Song is a 1976 TV film by MTM Enterprises and Company Four, based on the novel of the same name that also came out in the same year. Melvin Van Pebbles, author of the novel, wrote the script and composed the music. Originally telecast September 14, 1976, as a CBS "General Electric Theater" special, Just an Old Sweet Song was the first of three pilots for Down Home, a proposed TV series created by filmmaker Melvin Van Peebles. Robert Hooks and Cicely Tyson star as Nate and Priscilla Simmons, the patriarch and matriarch of a middle-class Detroit family. Upon learning that their grandmother (Beah Richards) is not long for this world, Nate and Priscilla pack up their kids and head down South. Eventually, the family rediscovers its African-American roots and elects to stay in their new rural surroundings. Robert Hooks' real-life sons (Kevin and Eric Hooks) appear as his screen sons, Junior and Highpockets. Just an Old Sweet Song was followed by two 60-minute sequels in 1978: Kinfolks (in which Madge Sinclair replaced Cicely Tyson as Priscilla Simmons) and Down Home. Alas, none of the three films yielded a weekly series. Plot: A family from Detroit takes a two-week vacation in the south which makes multiple changes in their life they didn't think were possible. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

Starring Robert Hooks, Cicely Tyson, Kevin Hooks

This week, we're proud to feature First Time Felon (1997), a gripping drama that explores the challenges of redemption and personal transformation within the criminal justice system. 📽️ Feature Presentation: First Time Felon (1997) Based on the true story of Greg Yance, First Time Felon follows a young Chicago gang member who, after being arrested for drug possession, is given a choice between a five-year prison sentence and a four-month stint in a military-style boot camp. Opting for the latter, Greg faces the harsh realities of the program under the stern guidance of Sergeant Calhoun. The film delves into themes of resilience, personal growth, and the struggle to break free from a cycle of crime. ​ Rotten Tomatoes +10 Blue Hill Avenue (The Movie) +10 Amazon +10 🎭 About the Cast & Crew Omar Epps: Portraying Greg Yance, Epps delivers a compelling performance that captures the internal conflict and determination of a young man seeking a second chance. Known for his roles in Love & Basketball and House, Epps brings depth and authenticity to the character.​ Delroy Lindo: As Sergeant Calhoun, Lindo embodies the tough yet principled drill instructor who challenges Greg to confront his past and embrace a new path. Lindo's distinguished career includes notable performances in Malcolm X, Crooklyn, and Da 5 Bloods.​ Director Charles S. Dutton: An accomplished actor and director, Dutton brings a nuanced perspective to the film, drawing from his own experiences to portray the complexities of the criminal justice system.​ 📺 Stay Connected Don't miss out on our curated selection of films that celebrate Black excellence and storytelling.

SCOTT JOPLIN (1977) | BILLY DEE WILLIAMS BLACKTREE MEDIA SATURDAY MOVIE SHOWCASE Before jazz transformed American music, there was Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime. Billy Dee Williams stars in this 1977 biographical drama about the legendary Black composer who helped revolutionize American music with classics including Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer. Directed by Jeremy Kagan, the film follows Joplin’s journey from playing piano in saloons to becoming one of America’s most influential composers, while confronting racism, personal tragedy, and the struggle to have his music recognized as serious art. Featuring: Billy Dee Williams, Clifton Davis, Margaret Avery, Godfrey Cambridge, Eubie Blake, Mabel King, Taj Mahal and Art Carney. 🎬 Year: 1977 | Rating: PG | Runtime: 96 minutes Joplin’s influence extended far beyond ragtime, helping shape the musical traditions that followed. In 1976, he received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his contributions to American music. Discover the extraordinary story behind the music and one of Billy Dee Williams’ lesser-known performances. 🎬 Watch more classic movies and television streaming 24/7 at BlackTreeTV.com — Where Legends Live Forever. 🔔

Starring Billy Dee Williams, Clifton Davis, Margaret Avery

UNCLE TOM'S CABIN (1977) | A CONTROVERSIAL SLAVERY-ERA DRAMA BlackTree Media presents Uncle Tom's Cabin, the 1977 historical drama starring John Kitzmiller, Herbert Lom and Olive Moorefield, based on Harriet Beecher Stowe's landmark 1852 novel. Set in the American South before the Civil War, the film follows Uncle Tom (John Kitzmiller), an enslaved man whose faith, dignity and humanity are tested under the brutal plantation owner Simon Legree (Herbert Lom). As enslaved families confront separation, violence and oppression, the story explores the cruelty of slavery and the struggle for freedom. Originally filmed in the 1960s, this controversial 1977 version was reedited with additional scenes by exploitation filmmaker Al Adamson, giving the classic story a more sensational presentation. Released the same year as the groundbreaking television miniseries Roots, the film offers a revealing look at how Hollywood portrayed American slavery during the 1970s. 🎬 Year: 1977 | Rating: R | Runtime: 90 minutes ⚠️ Viewer discretion advised: Contains disturbing depictions of slavery, racial violence and mature subject matter. 📺 Watch classic movies and television 24/7 at BlackTreeTV.com — Where Legends Live Forever. 🔔

Starring John Kitzmiller, Herbert Lom, Olive Moorefield

Death Journey (1976) | Fred Williamson’s Ultimate Crime Thriller | Saturday Feature Join Fred Williamson as Jesse Crowder in Death Journey (1976), an unforgettable crime thriller packed with non-stop action and suspense! Jesse Crowder, an ex-cop with a tough-as-nails approach, is hired to escort a key witness across the country, dodging deadly assassins hired by a ruthless crime boss, Jack Rosewald. With only 48 hours to bring the witness to court, Crowder must rely on his wits, strength, and unorthodox methods to survive the journey. Can Crowder deliver his witness in time, or will Rosewald’s men silence him first? Watch this classic 70s action film for intense chases, shootouts, and Fred Williamson in his iconic role! 📅 Chapters: 00:00 – Intro 01:50 – District Attorney's Dilemma 02:25 – 48-Hour Extension for Witness Protection 04:08 – Rosewald’s Mocking Threat 05:49 – Jesse Crowder Takes the Job 22:39 – Trouble on the Road 23:24 – Shootout and Survival 50:45 – Discovery of the Betrayal 54:25 – Crowder’s Final Showdown 1:12:22 – Conclusion and Resolution 💥 Don't forget to like, comment, and

Starring Fred Williamson, Bernie Kuby, Art Maier

MEAN MOTHER (1974) | A GRITTY BLAXPLOITATION ACTION CLASSIC BlackTree Media presents Mean Mother, a 1974 action-packed crime drama starring Dobie Gray, Dennis Safren, Luciana Paluzzi and Albert Cole. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, the film follows two American soldiers whose lives take an unexpected turn after they become involved in criminal activities overseas. Years later, their paths cross again in Europe, where smuggling, betrayal and dangerous underworld connections pull them into a violent struggle for survival. Directed by Al Adamson and León Klimovsky, Mean Mother blends Vietnam-era drama, international crime and the gritty action style of 1970s exploitation cinema. Dobie Gray, best remembered for his hit songs The “In” Crowd and Drift Away, takes on a leading dramatic role in this unusual entry in the blaxploitation era. 🎬 Year: 1974 | Rating: Not Rated | Runtime: Approximately 88 minutes Rediscover a lesser-known piece of 1970s Black cinema featuring a celebrated soul singer in an unexpected action role. 📺 Watch classic movies and television 24/7 at BlackTreeTV.com — Where Legends Live Forever. 🔔

Starring Dobie Gray, Dennis Safren, Luciana Paluzzi

Official music video for "Empire State Of Mind" performed by JAY-Z featuring Alicia Keys. Listen to JAY-Z: Follow JAY-Z: Music video by JAY-Z performing Empire State Of Mind. © 2014 S. Carter Enterprises, LLC., Distributed by Roc Nation Records, LLC.

Music video by THE CARTERS performing APESHIT (Official Video).(C) 2018 Parkwood Entertainment LLC, under exclusive license to Sony Music Entertainment, and SC Enterprises, under exclusive license to Roc Nation

Watch the The Story of O.J. From JAY-Z’s new album, '4:44' Streaming now on TIDAL - Listen to JAY-Z: Follow JAY-Z: Directed by Mark Romanek & JAY-Z Executive Producer: Elizabeth Newman Producer: Daniel Midgley Production Coordinator: Lauren Wesley Creative Director: Lisha Tan Lead Character Design: Rustam Hasanov Art Director: Tim Devlin Title Design: Ilya Abulkhanov Design: Nathan McKenna, George Fuentes, Ren Chen, Lisha Tan, Amy Graham Animation: Justin Demetrician, Jason Kang, Kyle Moore, Mikhail Pakhomov, Tim Devlin, Evan Parsons 3D Modeling: Sasha Vinogradova 2D Lead Artist: John Shirley Storyboard Artist: Vince Wei Character Animation by Titmouse Producer: Ben Kalina Animation Director: Mike Roush Production Manager: Brendan O’Connor Animation: Matt Augustin, Roberto Rosi, Richard Mather, Thom McDonnell, Daran Carlin-Weber, Jonathan Peartree, George Chung, Adam Temple, Brian Pak, Mike McCraw, Dante Buford, Marius Alecse, Connie Chan Cleanup: Jan Naylor, Yi Song, Carl Aspuria, Anthony Parrotta Editorial by Arcade Edit Editor: Paul Martinez Assistant Editor: Pete Dandrea Music video by JAY-Z performing The Story of O.J.. (C) 2017 S. Carter Enterprises, LLC. Marketed by Roc Nation & Distributed by Roc Nation/UMG Recordings, Inc.

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Official music video for "Young Forever" performed by JAY-Z. Listen to JAY-Z: Follow JAY-Z: Music video by JAY-Z performing Young Forever. © 2014 S. Carter Enterprises, LLC., Distributed by Roc Nation Records, LLC.

Official music video for "'03 Bonnie & Clyde" performed by JAY-Z featuring Beyoncé. Listen to JAY-Z: Follow JAY-Z: Music video by JAY-Z performing '03 Bonnie & Clyde. © 2004 S. Carter Enterprises, LLC., Distributed by Roc Nation Records, LLC.