Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy

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..

NR20091h 35m8.0Movie

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Overview

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 Ajaye
Franklyn Ajaye
Self
Angela Bassett
Angela Bassett
Narrator (voice)
Bill Bellamy
Bill Bellamy
Self
Todd Boyd
Todd Boyd
Self
Jeff Clanagan
Jeff Clanagan
Self
Bill Cosby
Bill Cosby
Self
Stanley Crouch
Stanley Crouch
Self
Elijah Cummings
Elijah Cummings
Self
Tommy Davidson
Tommy Davidson
Self
Michael Eric Dyson
Michael Eric Dyson
Self
Walter Fauntroy
Walter Fauntroy
Self
Shang Forbes
Shang Forbes
Self