A Hero Ain't Nothin' But a Sandwich: In this compelling family drama Paul Winfield plays Butler and Cicely Tyson plays Sweets. The two stars, who were Oscar-nominated for their roles in... In this compelling family drama Paul Winfield plays Butler and Cicely Tyson plays Sweets. The two stars, who were Oscar-nominated for their roles in SOUNDER, reunite in this story about a ghetto mother and stepfather who help their child become someone special despite the societal pressures of drugs and crime. Larry B. Scott gives a standout performance as their boy Benjie, who overcomes the temptations of heroin, with everything stacked against him. The key elements of the family's struggle are also magnified by an environment where the students and the school board are in a conflict over whether Mark Twain's novel THE ADVENTURES OF HUCKLEBERRY FINN is racist. The screenplay by Alice Childress, who also wrote the novel on which this film is based, is concise, moving, and understated. Director Ralph Nelson, who is known for bringing a light and resonate touch to socially conscious drama, doesn't miss a beat. Helen Martin turns in a memorable performance as Mrs. Bell.

Starring:

Arnold Johnson, Arthur French, Bill Cobbs, Cicely Tyson, Claire Brennen, David Groh, Glynn Turman, Harold Sylvester, Helen Martin, Kevin Hooks, Larry B Scott, Paul Winfield, Sheila Wills

Genre:

Drama