Native Son (1986)

Bigger Thomas, a young African American man from a destitute neighborhood, finds himself navigating the affluent suburbs of a bustling city as a newly hired chauffeur to a prosperous white family. His earnings, crucial to augmenting his mother's modest income, hinge on his ability to cater to the whims of his employers. His duties lead him into the chaotic world of Mary, the family's wild and unpredictable daughter, whom he is tasked to transport to the university. However, Mary, with a mind of her own, steers the day's course towards her Socialist boyfriend, Jan. The couple, young and liberal, leads Bigger into their adventure through a black neighborhood, seeking entertainment at Ernie's, a popular local black nightclub. As the night unfolds, it devolves into a whirlwind of drinking and revelry, leaving Mary inebriated and Bigger burdened with the task of returning her home undetected. The tension escalates when Mary's blind mother unexpectedly enters the room. Panic-stricken at the thought of being discovered with a drunk white woman, Bigger's fear leads to a fatal accident. He silences the intoxicated Mary with a pillow, inadvertently causing her death. Consumed by the dread of an unfair trial, Bigger hides his dreadful mistake, disposing of Mary's body in the furnace. As the city reels from Mary's disappearance, Jan finds himself as the prime suspect, with Bigger entangled in the web of accusations. Set against the grim backdrop of 1940s Chicago, this tale unravels the stark realities of racial tensions and social disparities, all converging in a chilling narrative of fear, deceit, and a desperate quest for justice.

Native Son is a drama movie featuring Victor Love and directed by Jerrold Freedman.

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