Long before Robert Downey Jr. was Iron Man, his father, Robert Downey Sr., was making edgy, counterculture, pop cinema. His masterwork is Putney Swope (1969), the story of a “token” African-American executive on the board of a prestigious advertising firm. When the chairman dies, Swope, the aforementioned black guy, is accidentally elected to replace him. What happens from then on, you’ll have to see for yourself— imagine Mad Men as blaxploitation cinema. A bizarre, hilarious and progressive film (that couldn’t get made today), Putney Swope mocks advertising, race relations and society at large. It’s at its best when viewed with a large audience, which makes this special presentation at the Michigan Theater such a must watch. 7pm. Monday, April 10. $10.
Michigan Theater
603 E. Liberty St. | Ann Arbor, MI
734-668-8397 | michtheater.org
