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Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Film / 2009

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

Directed by Robert Townsend

ComedyDocumentary

★ 8.0/10Audience rating

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

The story

Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

Cast

Franklyn AjayeSelf Angela BassettNarrator (voice) Bill BellamySelf Todd BoydSelf Jeff ClanaganSelf Bill CosbySelf Stanley CrouchSelf Elijah CummingsSelf Tommy DavidsonSelf Michael Eric DysonSelf Walter FauntroySelf Shang ForbesSelf

See more cast

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