Three The Hard Way

Three the Hard Way (1974) is an action-packed blaxploitation film directed by Gordon Parks Jr., featuring three iconic African American stars: Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, and Jim Kelly. This dynamic trio teams up to stop a sinister white supremacist plot in a film that blends elements of action, crime, and social commentary.

Plot Summary:

The story follows three friends from different backgrounds who are drawn together by a common enemy. When record producer Jimmy Lait (played by Jim Brown) learns that his friend has been abducted and tortured by a white supremacist organization, he quickly discovers that this group, led by the villainous Monroe Feather (played by Jay Robinson), has developed a genocidal plan. The supremacists intend to poison the water supply in cities with large Black populations in order to eliminate African Americans.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, Jimmy recruits his two closest friends to help stop this horrifying plot. Jagger Daniels (played by Fred Williamson), a skilled street fighter, and Mister Keyes (played by Jim Kelly), a martial arts expert, join Jimmy in his mission to take down Monroe Feather and his organization.

The three men travel across the country, battling enemies, infiltrating the villain's hideouts, and overcoming numerous obstacles. Their distinct skills — Jimmy’s strength, Jagger’s street smarts, and Keyes’ martial arts prowess — make them a formidable team. Along the way, they engage in spectacular fight sequences and daring stunts as they fight to prevent the poisoned water from reaching its targets.

The film climaxes in an explosive showdown where the trio faces off against Monroe Feather and his followers in a final attempt to save the African American population from this genocidal plot.

Key Themes:

• Unity and strength in numbers, as the three protagonists team up to fight a common enemy.
• The fight against racism and the evils of white supremacy.
• The power of individual talents and teamwork in overcoming oppression.
• High-octane action, emphasizing heroism and empowerment within the blaxploitation genre.

Three the Hard Way stands out for its exciting blend of martial arts, gunfights, and car chases, becoming a staple of 1970s blaxploitation cinema. The film is notable for its portrayal of Black heroes taking down a racist conspiracy and remains a cult favorite for fans of the genre. The star power of Jim Brown, Fred Williamson, and Jim Kelly brought together a trio of iconic action stars, making this film a landmark in Black action cinema.