After forming in the early ’60s, R&B quintet The Five Heartbeats work their way to the top of the charts, only to find their success threatened by in-fighting, racism, addiction, and music industry skullduggery. Drawing inspiration from the experiences of The Temptations, The Dells, Sam Cooke, and more, this classic musical drama from Robert Townsend and Keenan Ivory Wayans is packed with outstanding performances and an absolutely legendary soundtrack.

Don’t forget to stick around after the movie for a talkback with Vincent Williams and Len Webb of The Micheaux Mission and Stephanye Watts of the Be Reel Black Cinema Club—and to vote on the next film in the series!

This program is presented with the generous support of the League of Historic American Theaters.