Blaxploitation Film with Woman Action Hero: Cleopatra Jones Photo Archive, 1973

Cleopatra Jones Film

Photograph

[Blaxploitation] Cleopatra Jones 1973 Photo Archive. Collection of 5 original vintage silver gelatin black-and-white stills from the film starring Tamara Dobson. Each measures 8" x 10." All studio shots published by Warner Brothers with captions featuring the film's title, cast, and other production information in the lower white margin.

Following the massive success of Shaft, studios realized the great demand for films starring Black heroes. Cleopatra Jones appeals to the James Bond audience while also carrying themes of Black Power, feminism, and the Black Arts Movement. The titular character, played by Tamara Dobson, is an undercover government agent intent on dismantling the drug trade that plagues her community. Her action-packed moments of martial arts are fueled by a desire to give back to her roots in Los Angeles. The film is beloved for its feminism and antiracist messaging; it depicts the harsh reality of the Black ghetto while also portraying a united community whose members help and support one another. Its success at the box office also led to several sequels.

The five images showcase Cleopatra Jones in high-intensity action sequences. Three of the stills capture Dobson executing martial arts moves, taking down enemies with powerful kicks and defensive stances, emphasizing her role as a strong, independent action hero. One particularly dynamic image shows her engaging in hand-to-hand combat with another woman, her face fierce with determination. Another image, set in a grim junkyard filled with wrecked cars, features Jones in a battle-ready stance while her opponents lay scattered on the ground. The final photograph is a rare close-up of Cleopatra Jones and the film’s male lead, Bernie Casey, in a moment of intense focus, highlighting their chemistry and shared mission. In very good condition. An essential archive of original studio photography from one of the most influential films of the Blaxploitationera, preserving its visual impact and cultural significance.

Item #19847

Price: $285.00