The Legend of Nigger Charley

The Legend of Nigger Charley (released as The Legend of Black Charley for television broadcast) is a 1972 blaxploitation Western film directed by Martin Goldman and starring Fred Williamson in the title role. The story of a trio of escaped slaves, it was released during the heyday of blaxploitation. Shot in Charles City, Virginia, Eve's Ranch, Santa Fe, New Mexico, Jamaica, and Arizona, it received backlash for its controversial title. The film is rated PG in the United States. It was followed by a 1973 sequel, The Soul of Nigger Charley. Plot The opening scene includes Charley as a baby with his mother Theo in Africa. The two are forced into slavery. Twenty years later, Charley kills an abusive plantation owner and flees with his two friends, Joshua and Toby. As they run away from the slave catchers, the trio experience racism, standoffs and romance, specifically in a small town. After Joshua is killed in a standoff against the town's outlaw, the film ends with Charley and Toby leaving the town to continue traveling with no destination. Cast Fred Williamson as Charley "Nigger Charley" D'Urville Martin as Toby Don Pedro Colley as Joshua Thomas Anderson as "Shadow" Jerry Gatlin as Sheriff Rhinehart Alan Gifford as Hill Carter Will Hussung as Dr. Saunders Gertrude Jeannette as Theo Fred Lerner as Ollokot Marcia McBroom as Leda Bill Moor as Walker Tricia O'Neil as Sarah Lyons John Ryan as Houston Doug Row as Dewey Lyons Joe Santos as Reverend