(1978)

Submitted by Anonymous

Pooper:
Stan is ultimately able to reconnect with his family and sleep peacefully.

Long Ending:
The film generally follows the lives of poor African-Americans living in a community called Watts (just outside of LA). Its soundtrack includes many songs from popular artists made by or about the black community. There is not much of a plot, as the film generally documents the daily life of the residents.

Stan (Henry G. Sanders) lives in a poor community and works at a sheep slaughterhouse. He lives in a run-down home with his wife (Kaycee Moore), son and daughter. Although the family is poor, they still have pride and more wealth than prior generations. The film follows the children at play despite lacking most toys or electronics (much of their play involves roughhousing, hairdressing, running through the neighborhood, and throwing rocks).

Stan is very tired, but unable to sleep due to being haunted by the monotony and bloodiness of his work. His wife makes many efforts to connect with him, but he rebuffs her. She cries as Stan ignores her and their children.

Throughout the film, Stan is offered more money if he engages in seedy activities (amongst other things, two men attempt to have him provide an alibi while they beat up someone, and the female owner of the local market essentially offers to pay him if he sleeps with her), but he rebuffs each offer. He also loses money when he and his friend buy a car engine to put in an old car they have (in an effort to resell it) only to accidentally crack the engine block immediately after they buy it.

Eventually, the family convinces Stan to go on a weekend holiday with his friend. On the way there, Stan is finally able to fall asleep surrounded by his family. Before they arrive at their destination, the car they are driving in gets a flat tire. As they don’t have a spare, they are forced to return home. Nonetheless, Stan makes up with his family and embraces them. The film ends with Stan continuing to work at the slaughterhouse.