Richard Roundtree: how Shaft’s ‘first Black action hero’ changed culture for ever
Oct 26, 2023
3 minutes
In 1971, Richard Roundtree made surely the greatest entrance in cinema history. Shaft, his big-screen debut, begins with Roundtree emerging from the subway and striding confidently on to New York’s 42nd street on a wintry morning. Neatly groomed afro, moustache and sideburns, smart suit, polo neck and long, tailored leather coat. The hi-hats and wah-wah guitar of Isaac Hayes’ funky theme tune get going. Long-distance cameras track him from high above and close cameras frame him heroically from below. He struts through the bustling streets as if he owns the place, surveying
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