Watermelon Man

The Leonard Lopate Show | May 10, 2010

When Melvin Van Peebles’s low-budget film "Sweet Sweetback's Baad Asssss Song" started making money at the box office, it kicked off a trend that resulted in a whole new genre: blaxploitation. Now, Van Peebles is the subject of a new documentary that explores his multifaceted career in film, theater, music, and literature: “How to Eat Your Watermelon in White Company (and Enjoy It).” Filmmaker Joe Angio joins Melvin Van Peebles for a look at this new film.

Music: “Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song” Soundtrack (Stax Records) Tracks 4, 10 and 6

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