Robert Townsend

Robert Townsend Trailers

A Walk with Charles Burnett TrailerPlayin' for Love TrailerScooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire Trailer

Robert Townsend (born February 6, 1957) is an American actor, director, comedian, and writer. Townsend is best known for directing the films Hollywood Shuffle (1987), Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), The Meteor Man (1993), The Five Heartbeats (1991) and various other films and stand-up specials. He is especially known for his eponymous self-titled character, Robert Peterson as the starring role as on The WB sitcom The Parent 'Hood (1995–1999), a series which he created and of which directed select episodes. Townsend is also known for his role as Donald "Duck" Matthews in his 1991 film The Five Heartbeats. He later wrote, directed and produced Making The Five Heartbeats (2018), a documentary film about the production process and behind the scenes insight into creating the film. Townsend is also known for his production company Townsend Entertainment which has produced films Playin' for Love, In the Hive and more. During the 1980s and early–1990s, Townsend gained national exposure through his stand-up comedy routines and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Townsend has worked with talent including Halle Berry, Morgan Freeman, Chris Tucker, Beyoncé, Denzel Washington and many more.

Most Popular Robert Townsend Trailers

Total trailers found: 61

The Five Heartbeats Trailer (1991)

29 March 1991

In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats.

The Meteor Man Trailer (1993)

06 August 1993

One night Jefferson Reed gets hit in the chest by a souped-up chunk of meteor. So he can fly, but he's scared of heights.

Holiday Heart Trailer (2000)

10 December 2000

After losing his police officer lover, Christian drag queen Holiday Heart meets 12-year-old Niki and her drug-addicted mother, Wanda.

American Flyers Trailer (1985)

16 August 1985

When Dr. Marcus Sommers realizes that he and his troubled, estranged brother David may be prone a fatal brain disease that runs in their family, he decides to make peace with his sibling, and invites him on a trip to the Rockies.

Rodney Dangerfield: It's Not Easy Bein' Me Trailer (1986)

06 September 1986

Rodney Dangerfield hosted this HBO special which includes fantastic performances by some of the best new talent of 1986.

Willie and Phil Trailer (1980)

15 August 1980

Life imitates art when two Manhattanites — pompous teacher Willie and quiet photographer Phil — become friends after a thought-provoking screening of "Jules et Jim," Truffaut's classic film about a decades-long ménage à trois.

The Warriors Trailer (1979)

01 February 1979

Prominent gang leader Cyrus calls a meeting of New York's gangs to set aside their turf wars and take over the city.

Black Listed Trailer (2003)

21 January 2003

Alan Chambers (Townsend) is a lawyer and sick of his job. He corrals his friends into forming a vigilante group.

Up, Up, and Away Trailer (2000)

22 January 2000

A boy is the only family member without superpowers in this Disney Film. The world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers.

Jackie's Back! Trailer (1999)

14 June 1999

A British documentarian profiles washed-up diva Jackie Washington as she prepares for her comeback concert.

Book of Love: The Definitive Reason Why Men Are Dogs Trailer (2002)

14 February 2002

Book of Love delivers humor along with the mysteries of unrequited love and relationships gone bad. The film's story line focuses on three men living, dating and loving in Los Angeles in the 90's.

Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy Trailer (2009)

01 January 2009

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.

B.A.P.S Trailer (1997)

28 March 1997

Two wannabe Black American princesses aim to marry rich men, who will pay for their world's first combination hair salon and soul food restaurant.

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3 Trailer (1989)

20 May 1989

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect.

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4 Trailer (1989)

16 September 1989

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect.

Diary of a Single Mom Trailer (2009)

27 January 2009

Ocean (Monica Calhoun), a 27-year-old highly-motivated mother has found her calling in managing a neighborhood apartment building along with the residents and the problems found within.

Richard Pryor: I Ain't Dead Yet, #*%$#@!! Trailer (2003)

01 January 2003

This documentary praises comedian Richard Pryor by showing fragments of various shows Pryor made and having famous comedians talk about the importance and greatness of Pryor.

Taxman Trailer (1999)

16 September 1999

After a homocide that the police believe is over gasoline theft, a tax investigator discovers the Russian mafia is involved and that they are stealing millions in gasoline tax money.

That's Adequate Trailer (1989)

20 January 1989

This mockumentary about fictional movie studio Adequate Pictures boasts an interesting cast. Tony Randall hosts, and James CoCo (practically on his deathbed) stars as head of the studio.

I Was a Teenage Faust Trailer (2002)

01 June 2002

15 year old Brendan Willy hates himself for being un-cool when he falls in love with the girl of his dreams.

Little Richard Trailer (2000)

20 February 2000

The story of Little Richard Penniman, from his poor Southern upbringing to dealing with the trials and tribulations of being a Black singer in the 1950s, to his born-again phase and brief "retirement" from rock and roll.

Odd Jobs Trailer (1986)

01 March 1986

Five college buddies start their own moving business only to find themselves tangling with sleazy competitors and the mob.

Edge of Outside Trailer (2006)

11 June 2006

An hour-long documentary designed to celebrate the spirit of the independent filmmaker from D.W. Griffith to Quentin Tarantino.

Ms. Pat: Y'all Wanna Hear Something Crazy? Trailer (2022)

08 February 2022

Ms. Pat finds laughter in the absurdities of parenting, pet lovers and very unfortunate lip trends as she unpacks a painful past with humor and honesty.

The Monkey Hustle Trailer (1976)

24 December 1976

A new highway threatens a Chicago neighborhood, so to protest the residents throw a block party.

Senior Trip Trailer (1981)

30 December 1981

A group of graduating students from a midwestern high school comes to New York City on a trip to celebrate the impending end of school.

Streets of Fire Trailer (1984)

01 June 1984

Raven Shaddock and his gang of merciless biker friends kidnap rock singer Ellen Aim. Ellen's former lover, soldier-for-hire Tom Cody, happens to be passing through town on a visit.

Women at West Point Trailer (1979)

27 February 1979

A fictionalized drama about the first women to enter the U.S. Military Academy in 1976 and the reactions they faced.

Mercenary II: Thick & Thin Trailer (1999)

20 July 1999

Mercenary Captain "Hawk" is in Acion again to save a hostage. But he and his team are betrayed. Nothing is as it seems.

Scooby-Doo! Music of the Vampire Trailer (2012)

07 March 2012

Scooby and the gang have their first musical mystery in “Scooby Doo: Music of the Vampire.” It begins when they take a sing-a-long road trip into bayou country to attend the “Vampire-Palooza Festival” – an outdoor fair dedicated to all things Draculian.

Cooley High Trailer (1975)

25 June 1975

In the mid-1960s, a group of high school friends who live on the Near North Side of Chicago enjoy life to the fullest.

Love Songs Trailer (1999)

25 April 1999

Louis Gossett, Jr, Robert Townsend and Andre Braugher come together to each direct a short story, all of which are interconnected through themes of love and family.

Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light Trailer (2000)

02 February 2000

Actor/director Sidney Poitier discusses his life and career. He tells of his upbringing in Jamaica; the difficulties he encountered in New York City at the start of his career; his involvement in the US civil-rights movement; and efforts to end apartheid in South Africa.

Undercover Brother Trailer (2002)

31 May 2002

An Afro-American organization, the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D., is in permanent fight against a white organization "The Man" defending the values of the black people in North America.

Phantom Punch Trailer (2008)

01 September 2008

From his discovery by a priest while serving time at the Missouri State Penitentiary to the infamous 'Phantom Punch' by Cassius Clay which effectively ended his career, the movie spans the years from 1950 to Liston's mysterious and untimely death in 1971.

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1 Trailer (1987)

19 December 1987

From comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show business.

Tao of The Golden Mask Trailer (2007)

23 June 2007

In the 70's, Langston Faizon Santisima, barely 18, left his native Cuba on an impossible quest- to direct a film starring Bruce Lee.

Carmen: A Hip Hopera Trailer (2001)

08 May 2001

An engaged Philadelphia policeman falls in love with a beautiful woman while dealing with a corrupt superior.

Of Boys and Men Trailer (2008)

21 October 2008

Robert Townsend stars as the patriarch of a family devastated when his wife is killed in a senseless auto accident.

Directors on Directing Trailer (2009)

24 September 2009

A look at the development of film making and its contribution to the social and political times form the perspective of Black film makers.

Bill Cosby: Far From Finished Trailer (2013)

23 November 2013

Bill Cosby shares his hilarious new observations on life and family in this comedy special, his first televised concert in 30 years.

10,000 Black Men Named George Trailer (2002)

24 February 2002

In the 1920s, the rights of American workers to join a labor union was still considered an open question, and African-Americans were routinely denied their civil and economic rights.

In Love with an Older Woman Trailer (1982)

24 November 1982

A 29-year-old lawyer falls for a 43-year-old woman.

The Legend of Dolemite! Bigger & Badder Trailer (1994)

01 January 1994

Rudy Ray Moore tells all as only he can in this all-new retrospective legendary career. From his humble beginnings to his crowning as "King of the Party Records," Rudy Ray guides us through his struggles and triumphs in the film and music industries.

Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2 Trailer (1988)

24 September 1988

Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect.

Joseph's Gift Trailer (1999)

01 January 1999

Joseph is the youngest member of a large family that owns a successful garment business in Los Angeles.

Making The Five Heartbeats Trailer (2018)

27 August 2018

In 1990, actor, comedian, writer and director, Robert Townsend, went against every obstacle in Hollywood, relying on his faith, street smarts, and tenacity to bring his passion project, 1991’s The Five Heartbeats, to big screens.

Uptown Comedy Express Trailer (1987)

09 May 1987

TV Special with a variety of comedians

Eddie Murphy Raw Trailer (1987)

25 November 1987

Eddie Murphy delights, shocks and entertains with dead-on celebrity impersonations, observations on '80s love, sex and marriage, a remembrance of Mom's hamburgers and much more.

The Mighty Quinn Trailer (1989)

17 February 1989

Police chief Xavier Quinn investigates the gruesome murder of Donald Pater, one of the wealthiest residents on a Caribbean island.

Playin' for Love Trailer (2015)

16 January 2015

Coach Banks (Robert Townsend) is used to calling all the shots for his championship high school basketball team and in his own love life.

A Soldier's Story Trailer (1984)

14 September 1984

In a rural town in Louisiana, a black Master Sergeant is found shot to death just outside the local Army Base.

I'm Gonna Git You Sucka Trailer (1988)

10 November 1988

Jack Spade returns from the army in his old ghetto neighbourhood when his brother, June Bug, dies. Jack declares war on Mr.

In the Hive Trailer (2012)

14 December 2012

Sixteen-year-old Xtra Keys hopes to raise his son better than his boozy, razor-edged mother raised him, and he just might get his wish when he's thrust into an unorthodox alternative school full of underprivileged boys.

Stuart Hall: Representation & the Media Trailer (1997)

01 January 1997

Cultural theorist Stuart Hall offers an extended meditation on representation. Moving beyond the accuracy or inaccuracy of specific representations, Hall argues that the process of representation itself constitutes the very world it aims to represent, and explores how the shared language of a culture, its signs and images, provides a conceptual roadmap that gives meaning to the world rather than simply reflecting it.

Robin Harris: One Night Stand Trailer (1990)

03 March 1990

American stand-up comedian Robin Harris performs his legendary comedic jokes as part of HBO's classic comedy series One Night Stand.

A Walk with Charles Burnett Trailer (2019)

27 February 2019

Filmmaker Robert Townsend executive-produced the following fifty-six-minute program for Criterion’s Meet the Filmmakers series in 2018.

Hollywood Shuffle Trailer (1987)

20 March 1987

Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film "Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge.

Livin' for Love: The Natalie Cole Story Trailer (2000)

10 December 2000

The true life story of famed singer Natalie Cole, daughter of Nat 'King' Cole. Gripping drama of her struggle with addiction and living in her father's shadow while still maintaining her own celebrity status.

From Behind Closed Doors Trailer (1999)

19 July 1999

Showtime's "In the 20th Century" is a millennium-related series of feature-length documentaries in which famous directors take on major subjects of their choosing.