Brothers (1977) [DVD]

Brothers (1977) is a drama film directed by Arthur Barron, starring Bernie Casey and Vonetta McGee. The story is a fictionalized account inspired by the real-life relationship between activist Angela Davis and Black Panther member George Jackson. The film explores themes of racism, political imprisonment, and radicalization within the U.S. justice system. Bernie Casey plays David Thomas, an African American man radicalized while serving an unjust prison sentence. His younger brother, Joshua, enlists the help of a militant professor, Paula Jones (played by Vonetta McGee), to support David's case. The film follows David's intellectual transformation in prison and the escalating conflict between the authorities and those fighting for justice. Several key events in the film closely parallel real-life incidents, including prison violence, wrongful accusations, and a tragic courtroom standoff. The movie is noted for its serious tone, standing apart from the more sensationalist Blaxploitation films of its era. It was largely shot inside an actual prison, featuring real inmates as extras to enhance its realism. The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Ron O’Neal and John Lehne, and its soundtrack was composed by blues musician Taj Mahal