Rating summary

Movie		2.5
Video		3.0
Audio		3.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.0

The Black Gestapo Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 9, 2021

In the wilds of the blaxploitation trend of the 1970s, 1975’s “The Black Gestapo” elected to remove the style and the grittiness of these endeavors, going the no-budget route while detailing the rise of fascist power within the black community. The screenplay by Wes Bishop and Lee Frost (who also directs) certainly takes a big swing, but it barely connects with ideas on power plays and criminal activity. Also not helping is overall execution, which is often amateurish, with “The Black Gestapo” more of a Coleman Francis endeavor than a barbed understanding of the black community during a turbulent time. There’s sex and violence, but Frost has no coin to do anything of note with the material, which remains in neutral as the cast and crew scramble to figure out what they’re doing with a vague tale of insurrection somewhere in suburban Los Angeles.

Sick and tired of seeing the black community in constant despair, General Ahmed (Rod Perry) has created The People’s Army, putting together a squad looking to help those in need with medical care and protection, funded by the white man’s money. Ahmed’s right-hand man, Colonel Kojah (Charles Robinson), is sick of the situation, and when Ahmed’s girlfriend is harassed by local goons, he decides to break away from The People’s Army, forming a security force that uses Nazi rule as a template for a new order. Kojah elects to take on crime boss Vincent (Lee Frost), aiming to replace his system of payments and betting with his own vision for monetary gain, claiming ownership of the city. Ahmed, weakened by Kojah’s betrayal, looks to reclaim what was lost, challenging his top soldier as he tries to restore a balance of power.

“The Black Gestapo” follows the to-do list for blaxploitation entertainment, turning white characters into inhumane villains who hate black people with every fiber of their being. The screenplay offers ample displays of predatory behavior, with Vincent’s stooges enjoying every chance they get to ruin black lives. The People’s Army is a noble cause, hoping to bring care to the masses, combating drug addiction and assorted crime, but Ahmed isn’t succeeding, leaving an opening for Kojah to rise to power. There’s something in this idea that has potential, watching Kojah learn from the Nazis to build his unit, fighting fire with fire as he seeks authority over everything in L.A., leaving Ahmed’s peace behind.

“The Black Gestapo” doesn’t have the writing or the money to think things through, going B-movie right away as war breaks out between Vincent’s organization and Kojah. However, instead of stunning action sequences depicting such rising antagonism, Frost keeps things simple, focusing on fisticuffs in a T.V. store and the violent intimidation of a prostitute who’s apparently the only sexually exploitable woman in town. Potential horror arrives when Kojah’s men swarm one of Vincent’s men while he’s taking a bath, but Frost bungles the castration moment by keeping the actor’s white underwear in view under clear water, ruining the grisly illusion. “The Black Gestapo” has a few more moments like this, with the director more interested in keeping things moving along than perfecting shots, ideas, and performances, though Perry and Robinson are as good as possible in the lead roles, bringing conviction to an often slapdash film.

The Black Gestapo Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is billed as a "Brand new 2015 HD 2K master from the original camera negative." I challenge the use of "brand new" to describe something from six years ago, but the viewing experience handles satisfactorily for "The Black Gestapo." The source is in rough shape, with damaged and jumpy frames, scratches, and speckling, but the essentials are intact. Detail is on the softer side, but emerges with passable texture, highlighting fibrous outfits and ample displays of skin. Facial surfaces are appreciable. Locations are mildly dimensional. Colors provide potent reds for militaristic costumes and signage. Greenery is adequate. Skintones are natural. Grain is heavy, with some blockiness.

The Black Gestapo Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix really displays its age, leading with heavy amounts of hiss, periodic popping, and a final reel with stretches of damage. Dialogue exchanges aren't distinct, finding clarity missing from the listening experience, making it difficult to understand a few conversations. It's a low- budget movie with limited technical achievements, and there are inherent sound recording issues as well, leaving everything on the fuzzy side. Music is also unremarkable, missing crispness as the funky score supports scenes of action and intimidation.

The Black Gestapo Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Commentary features actors Charles Robinson and Rod Perry.

• Interview (11:50, SD) with Charles Howerton explores the actor's initial casting in "The Black Gestapo," and his impressions of director Lee Frost and co-writer Wes Bishop. And that's it for memories about "The Black Gestapo," which the interviewee declares was an "early and unfortunate" career step. Howerton has more to offer when discussing some highlights from his acting days, including various near- death experiences on "Up from the Depths," where he was forced to look out for his own safety while working in the water. For "Dr. Heckyl and Mr. Hype," Howerton was confronted by star Oliver Reed's alcoholism, watching the actor down a bottle of booze right before getting behind the wheel for a car stunt. And time on "Assassination" reinforces Charles Bronson's reputation as a man who didn't care for social mingling on-set. Howerton also works through his experience at the Cannes Film Festival.

• Interview (10:15, HD) with Charles Robinson details the actor's professional experience with director Lee Frost and co- writer Wes Bishop, sharing his casting story, which involved the recommendation of co-star Rod Perry. Robinson's use of method acting is recalled, and his limited pay is lamented, with Frost keeping the budget low, hoping to placate the male cast with food and the presence of women on the set. The interviewee highlights water stunts he didn't want to participate in, and highlights the professional opportunity of "The Black Gestapo," which was panned by critics, a response Robinson seems to agree with.

• Interview (7:24, SD) with actor Rod Perry examines his early interest in acting and camaraderie with other cast members on "The Black Gestapo," including longtime friend Charles Robinson. Perry has extraordinarily little to say about "The Black Gestapo," delving into "The Black Godfather" instead, and he celebrates his casting on the television show "SWAT," which gave him a chance to play a positive black character for a change. Perry closes with his hope to inspire young actors.

• "Beauty and the Banana" (1:09, HD) is a strange clip of a man in a banana suit offering awkward small talk with host Katarina Leigh Waters, which soon turns into mild harassment. Why is this on "The Black Gestapo" Blu-ray? I have no idea.

• And a Trailer (:33, SD) is included, presented under the title "Ghetto Warriors."

The Black Gestapo Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"The Black Gestapo" deals with some heavy issues, but Frost seems like he wants to have some fun with the feature, offering training sequences and gratuitous nudity (Uschi Digard appears as Kojah's girlfriend). A few chases and acts of white punishment are delivered as well. Tonally, this isn't high- flying stuff, which is a shame, as the concept of black Nazis "through with jivin' around" could produce a pleasingly bonkers movie.