James Brown Filmography

Born:: May 3, 1933 in Barnwell, SC
Occupation:: Actor, Composer (Music Score), Musical Performer
Birth name:: James Joseph Brown, Jr.
Biography:: Alternately -- and justly -- tagged as "The Godfather of Soul," "The Hardest Working Man in Show Business," "Soul Brother No. 1," and "Mr. Dynamite," James Brown launched himself into the musical spotlight as a multi-talented R&B powerhouse with revolutionary gifts not only in the arena of vocal...Read More

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Soul Power

Synopsis: Presented in conjunction with the landmark "Rumble in the Jungle" boxing match between famed pugilists Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, Zaire '74 was a three-day music festival in Kinshasa that was organized by South African musician Hugh Masekela and American record producer Stewart Levine, and Read More

2008
Talk to Me

Crew: Featured Music

Actors: Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cedric the Entertainer, Taraji P. Henson, Mike Epps

Synopsis: Don Cheadle stars as outspoken ex-convict and iconic radio personality Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene in a powerful biopic detailing the life and career of a media figure whose voice instilled the black community with hope during the turbulent 1960s. After talking his way onto the Washington, D.C. Read More

7/13/07
Saturday Night Live: Lost and Found - SNL in the '80s

Actors: Billy Crystal, Martin Short, Gilbert Gottfried, Jim Belushi, Julia Louis-Dreyfus

Synopsis: Saturday Night Live: Lost and Found - SNL in the '80s documents a turbulent decade for the long-running sketch comedy show. The eighties began without creator Lorne Michales at the helm, but still produced Eddie Murphy. By the middle of the decade Michaels returned, but his first season back was a Read More

2005
James Brown: Get Up I Feel Like Being A [Sex Machine]

Actors: James Brown

Synopsis: The brief performance film James Brown: Get Up I Feel Like Being a (Sex Machine) interweaves five hyper-charged numbers from the "Godfather of Soul," culled from live, electrifying in-concert performance footage. The tunes on this release include: the title track, "I Got You (I Feel Good)", "I Got Read More

2004
Live Forever

Actors: Damon Albarn, Ozwald Boateng, James Brown, Jarvis Cocker, Kevin Cummins

Synopsis: Documentarian John Dower turns his attention toward the 1990s British musical movement dubbed Brit-pop in his 2003 film, Live Forever. Going back to an early 1990 concert by the now-defunct band the Stone Roses, Dower traces the roots of the Brit-pop movement as originating from Britain's Read More

2003
Paper Chasers

Synopsis: A film crew sets out on a journey across the country to discover how money is made in the world of hip-hop. Director Maxie Collier takes us inside the process as he selects his Paperchasers crew and travels across the United States, interviewing people making a living off hip-hop, from street Read More

2003
James Brown: Soul Survivor

Actors: James Brown

Synopsis: James Brown: Soul Survivor spans more than four decades of the one and only Godfather of Soul, documenting the rise and fall of the "hardest working man in show business." Through archival footage, excerpts read from his biography, and interviews with the people closest to the man, you get an Read More

2003
The Tuxedo

Actors: Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jason Isaacs, Debi Mazar, Ritchie Coster

Synopsis: Clothes make the superspy in this high-energy action comedy. Jimmy Tong (Jackie Chan) is a well-meaning but clumsy New York City cab driver who is tapped by Steena (Debi Mazar), associate to multi-millionaire Clark Devlin (Jason Isaacs), for a new job as Devlin's personal limo driver. After a Read More

9/27/02
Undercover Brother

Actors: Eddie Griffin, Chris Kattan, Aunjanue Ellis, Dave Chappelle

Synopsis: Undercover Brother began life as an animated series on the Internet. The satirical cartoon was created by novelist and screenwriter John Ridley (Three Kings) for the website urbanentertainment.com. Ridley wrote the screenplay with Michael McCullers, co-writer of the Austin Powers sequels, and it Read More

5/31/02
Ed Sullivan's Rock 'N' Roll Classics, Vol. 3: The Soul of the Motor CIty

Synopsis: The Ed Sullivan Show was the definitive variety show on television for over two decades. This compilation is comprised of a series of musical performances by some of the most beloved rhythm and blues acts of the day including James Brown, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, and The Jackson 5 as well as Read More

2001
James Brown: Live from the House of Blues

Synopsis: This program presents a live performance of one of modern music's living legends, James Brown. The singer from Augusta, GA, has been thrilling audiences for five decades with his electrifying performances. Backed up by his famous revue, James Brown entertains the audience at the House of Blues in Read More

2000
King of the Hill: Peggy Makes the Big Leagues

2000
Music Scene: The Best of 1969-1970, Vol. 6

Synopsis: Hosted by standup comedian David Steinberg, ABC television's Music Scene was a unique, eclectic, and never-equaled program that the network nevertheless canceled after half a season. It aired prime time on Tuesday nights and ran an unusual slot-time of 45 minutes (paired with Aaron Spelling's Read More

1999
Music Scene: The Best of 1969-1970, Vol. 5

Synopsis: Hosted by standup comedian David Steinberg, ABC television's Music Scene was a unique, eclectic, and never-equaled program that the network canceled after scarcely half a season. It aired prime time on Tuesday nights and ran an unusual slot-time of 45 minutes (paired with Aaron Spelling's Read More

1999
Blues Brothers 2000

Actors: Dan Aykroyd, John Goodman, Joe Morton, Evan Bonifant, Nia Peeples

Synopsis: Dan Aykroyd and John Landis teamed to script this sequel to The Blues Brothers (1980), which they also co-scripted. With Landis once again at the helm as director, Aykroyd re-creates his role of rhythm-and-blues man Elwood Blues, and the film's numerous R&B performances and production numbers Read More

1998
Soulmates

Actors: Zachary Throne, Bill Cobbs, Christine Cavanaugh

Synopsis: Set in a nursing home, this drama is the brainchild of writer and director Duane B. Clark, the son of television legend Dick Clark. Zachary Throne stars as Dean Carter, an aspiring musical composer who is shocked when his own father fires him from a gig writing the score of a period motion Read More

1997
Married... With Children: Damn Bundys

Synopsis: Al (Ed O'Neill) sells his soul to Lucifer (played by Robert Englund of "Freddy Krueger" fame) for a chance to play with the Chicago Bears. Unfortunately for Lucifer, Al rather enjoys living in Hell, so His Satanic Majesty must think up a more distasteful form of damnation--such as an eternity of Read More

1997
When We Were Kings

Actors: Muhammad Ali, George Foreman, James Brown, B.B. King, Norman Mailer

Synopsis: In 1974, boxers Muhammad Ali and George Foreman came to the still-emerging and politically unstable African nation of Zaire for what Ali called the "Rumble in the Jungle," a highly publicized world heavyweight championship fight. Documentarian Leon Gast flew to Zaire to film both the fight and a Read More

1996
Married... With Children: A Bundy Thanksgiving

Synopsis: Al (Ed O'Neill) is desperate for a slice of Aunt Maddie's Thanksgiving pie; problem is, Aunt Maddie has died. There is no other recourse for Al than to crash the old lady's funeral, where he makes a rather startling discovery. Meanwhile, Bud (David Faustino) and the D'Arcys (Ted McGinley, Amanda Read More

1996
The History of Rock 'n' Roll: Sounds of Soul

Synopsis: The history, development, and popularity of soul music is explored in this documentary, which features the lives and work of such legendary singers as Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, and Aretha Franklin. This is the fifth entry in Time-Life's ten-volume History of Rock 'n' Roll series. Read More

1995
James Brown: Hard Hits

1993
Jacob's Ladder

Crew: Musical Performer

Actors: Tim Robbins, Elizabeth Peña, Danny Aiello, Matt Craven, Ving Rhames, Pruitt Taylor Vince

Synopsis: A tortured man finds himself caught in a middle-ground between hallucination and reality in this supernatural thriller, scripted by Bruce Joel Rubin of Ghost (1990) and My Life (1993).
Jacob Singer (Tim Robbins) is a soldier stationed in Vietnam who undergoes a traumatic experience on the Read More

11/2/90
Mr. Destiny

Crew: Musical Performer

Actors: James Belushi, Michael Caine, Linda Hamilton, Jon Lovitz, Hart Bochner

Synopsis: Businessman Larry Burrows (James Belushi) has a wife who ignores him, a screwball friend who won't leave him alone, and a car that continually breaks down. All that and more is enough to give him a mid-life crisis. After his car stalls once more, he enters a bar looking for help and encounters a Read More

10/5/90
Shindig Presents: Soul

Synopsis: Viewers can watch vintage performances from the ABC television series that showcased the top music makers of the '60s. Tina Turner sings "A Fool in Love;" James Brown belts out "Papas Got a Brand New Bag;" Booker T. & the MG's sing "Green Onions;" and Marvin Gaye sings "Hitch Hike." Other Read More

1990
Legends of Rock 'N' Roll Live

Synopsis: This concert video features all the household names of rock & roll gathered together for a special live performance. These are the founding fathers: James Brown, Jerry Lee Lewis, Fats Domino, Bo Diddley, Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Little Richard playing their classic tunes. ~ Sarah Welsh, All Read More

1989
The Legends of Rock & Roll

1989
Off Limits

Crew: Musical Performer

Actors: Willem Dafoe, Gregory Hines, Fred Ward, Amanda Pays, Lim Kay Tong

Synopsis: Buck McGriff (Willem Dafoe) and Albaby Perkins (Gregory Hines) are military police from the army's Criminal Investigation Department assigned to find a serial killer in 1968 war-torn Saigon. Hookers have been ritualistically murdered, and the two cops spend their final days of active duty in the Read More

3/11/88
James Brown & Friends: Set Fire to the Soul

1988
Murder, She Wrote: Mourning Among the Wisterias

Synopsis: Jessica (Angela Lansbury) heads Southward to visit an old friend, celebrated playwright Eugene McLendon (Barry Nelson). Inevitably, a murder occurs: the victim this time is Eugene's crooked business manager Jonathan Keeler (Elliott Reid). Deciding to stay on and help out when Eugene is suspected Read More

1988
James Brown: Live in Berlin

Synopsis: The hardest working man in show business proves that his title applies around the world and not just in the United States on this home-video release. Recorded during a powerful concert recorded in Germany in 1988, James Brown: Live in Berlin features some of the biggest hits from the funky Read More

1988
The Great Ones

Synopsis: The Great Ones profiles football legends Sammy Baugh, Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson, and Roger Staubach. In 1937, his rookie year, and in 1942, Sammy Baugh led Washington to NFL titles. Jim Brown made All-American at Syracuse in 1956 and was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 1957. O.J. Simpson received Read More

1988
Something Wild

Crew: Musical Performer

Actors: Jeff Daniels, Melanie Griffith, Ray Liotta, Margaret Colin

Synopsis: A wildly inventive and entertaining comic nightmare from former Roger Corman prodigy Jonathan Demme (The Silence of the Lambs), this screwball odyssey is a ride to remember. Jeff Daniels plays clean-cut New York bond trader Charlie Driggs, who accepts a ride home from a strange but attractive Read More

11/7/86
James Brown: Live at Chastain Park

Synopsis: The "Godfather of Soul" was filmed at Chastain Park in Atlanta, GA. circa 1985. This live concert footage reveals James Brown getting down to ten of his best songs. Included on this videotape are "Try Me," "Hot Pants," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," and "I Got You, I Feel Good." They don't call him Read More

1985
Encore Series: James Brown

Synopsis: The Godfather of Soul hits the stage armed with his big hits in this concert at Georgia's own Chastain Park. in 1985. Filmed at a historical amphitheater, the Soulman #1 performs such favorites as "Get On the Good Foot" and Papa's Got A Brand New Bag. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide Read More

1985
Body & Soul: The Legends of Soul Live

Actors: Rufus Thomas, Sam Moore, Jerry Butler, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Ben E. King

Synopsis: This release compiles television appearances by a number of beloved R&B performers including Ben E. King, Billy Preston, Gladys Knight, and Sam Moore. Among the songs performed are "Soul Man," "Spanish Harlem," "Band of Gold," and "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Read More

1985
Rocky IV

Actors: Sylvester Stallone, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers, Brigitte Nielsen, Dolph Lundgren

Synopsis: The third sequel to Sylvester Stallone's boxing blockbuster combines the ringside sports melodrama of the previous installments with the Cold War patriotism of the star/director's other motion picture series of the 1980s, the Rambo saga. Stallone is back as Rocky Balboa, the heavyweight champion Read More

1985
James Brown: Live in London

1985
James Brown: Soul Jubilee

Synopsis: This concert film featuring James Brown, the hardest working man in show business, captures the Godfather of Soul performing over a dozen songs including "It's a Man's World," "Please, Please, Please," "I Feel Good," "Papa's Got a Brand New Bag," and "Gonna Have a Funky Good Time." The DVD release Read More

1984
James Brown and His Very Special Guest B.B. King

1983
Doctor Detroit

Actors: Dan Aykroyd, Howard Hesseman, T.K. Carter, Donna Dixon, Lynn Whitfield

Synopsis: A college professor (Dan Aykroyd is forced to go undercover as a Chicago pimp disguised by a bushy wig -- the height of hairlarity in this anemic comedy. When Smooth Walker (Howard Hesseman) is hunted by his gangster rival, Mom (Kate Murtagh), he foists his bevy of hookers on the professor -- and Read More

1983
The Blues Brothers

Actors: John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, James Brown, John Candy, Ray Charles, Carrie Fisher

Synopsis: Expanding on their Saturday Night Live characters, John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd star as Jake and Elwood Blues, two white boys with black soul. Sporting cool shades and look-alike suits, Jake and Elwood are dispatched on a "mission from God" by their former teacher, Sister Mary Stigmata (Kathleen Freeman Read More

1980
Saturday Night Live: Jamie Lee Curtis [1]

Actors: Jamie Lee Curtis, James Brown

Synopsis: This 1980 episode of Saturday Night Live is hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis and features musical guest James Brown. ~ Skyler Miller, All Movie Guide Read More

1980
James Brown: Body Heat

Synopsis: James Brown, the man known nationally and internationally as The Hardest Working Man In Show Business, shows why he's Soul Brother Number One in this red-hot concert video. Songs include Please Please Please, (Get Up, I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine and Get Up Offa That Thing. ~ Mark Deming, All Read More

1979
James Brown: The Lost James Brown Tapes

Synopsis: Filmed in Santa Cruz, California, this musical performance by James Brown is his comeback. Locked away in a vault for 12 years, this video includes some of James Brown's best. ~ All Movie Guide Read More

1979
James Brown: Live in Concert

1979
Black Caesar

Crew: Composer (Music Score)

Actors: Omer Jeffrey

Synopsis: Cult director Larry Cohen (It's Alive) directed this violent blaxploitation film. Nasty racist John McKinney cripples a black shoeshine boy, who grows up to be Tommy Gibbs (Fred Williamson), the Godfather of Harlem. The crimelord now has his tormentor McKinney (Art Lund) in his pocket, based on Read More

1973
Slaughter's Big Ripoff

Crew: Composer (Music Score)

Actors: Ed McMahon, Jim Brown

Synopsis: The sequel to Slaughter, this film follows the adventures of Slaughter (Jim Brown) as he struggles to kill a group of vengeful mobsters, led by the sinister Duncan (Ed McMahon), before they kill him. ~ Iotis Erlewine, All Movie Guide Read More

1973
The Mike Douglas Show: December 30, 1969

1969
That Was Rock

Synopsis: This rollicking music film is a compilation of two previous films from the mid-1960s, The T.A.M.I. Show and The Big T.N.T. Show. Chuck Berry hosts the acts which include some of the greatest R&B acts and rock & roll acts of that generation. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide Read More

1965
The T.A.M.I. Show

Actors: Teri Garr

Synopsis: In 1964, television director Steve Binder was given the task of staging the Teen-Age Music International Show, a concert event which would showcase some of the biggest rock and pop acts of the day; Binder and his camera crew then captured the proceedings on video tape, and the results were Read More

1964
Shindig Presents: Legends of Rock 'n' Roll

Synopsis: In the 1960s, Shindig was the premiere showcase for the greatest acts in rock & roll. This collection of rock legend performances includes the Righteous Brothers singing "Ko Ko Joe," Jerry Lee Lewis singing "High School Confidential," Aretha Franklin with "Mockingbird," Tina Turner singing Read More

1964
American Soul, Vol. 2

Actors: James Brown, Ben E. King, Tyrone Davis, Maxine Nightingale, Mary Bond Davis
James Brown: Live in Santa Cruz

Actors: James Brown
Soul Patrol: Soul's Greatest Hits

Synopsis: The music compilation release Soul Patrol: Soul's Greatest Hits assembles numerous vintage live performances by soul and r&b superstars. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide Read More

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