IMDb on iPhone and iPod touch Learn more Learn more Download from the App Store
IMDb > Blue Collar (1978)
Blue Collar
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotes
Overview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv schedule
Awards & Reviews
user reviewsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage board
Plot & Quotes
plot summarysynopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotes
Fun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQ
Other Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDesk
Promotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo gallery
External Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clips

Blue Collar (1978) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 14 | slideshow) Videos
Blue Collar (1978) -- Trailerfan.com - Trailer (Flash)

Overview

User Rating:
7.4/10   1,871 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 7% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers:
Paul Schrader (written by) and
Leonard Schrader (written by) ...
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Blue Collar on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
10 February 1978 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Whatever became of the "American Dream"?
Plot:
Three workers, Zeke, Jerry and Smokey, are working at a car plant and drinking their beers together... more | add synopsis
Plot Keywords:
NewsDesk:
(5 articles)
USA Network Rules the Basic Cable Roost in 2009
 (From Beyond Hollywood. 29 December 2009, 10:34 AM, PST)

Best. Gay. Week. Ever. (December 11, 2009)
 (From AfterElton.com. 11 December 2009, 4:42 AM, PST)

User Reviews:
Memorable film more (34 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Richard Pryor ... Zeke Brown

Harvey Keitel ... Jerry Bartowski
Yaphet Kotto ... Smokey James

Ed Begley Jr. ... Bobby Joe
Harry Bellaver ... Eddie Johnson Union President AAW Local 291
George Memmoli ... Jenkins
Lucy Saroyan ... Arlene Bartowski

Lane Smith ... Clarence Hill, Union Steward

Cliff De Young ... John Burrows
Borah Silver ... Dogshit Miller, Foreman
Chip Fields ... Caroline Brown

Harry Northup ... Hank
Leonard Gaines ... Mr. Bird, I.R.S. Man
Milton Selzer ... Sumabitch
Sammy Warren ... Barney
more
Create a character page for: ?

Additional Details

Runtime:
114 min
Country:
Language:
Colour:
Colour (Technicolor)
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Filming Locations:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
"Good Times" (1974) can be seen on the TV. Chip Fields, who appears here as Zeke's wife Caroline, had a memorable set of guest appearances on that series as the mother of Penny (Janet Jackson.) more
Quotes:
[last lines]
Smokey James: [voiceover echoing earlier line] They pit the lifers against the new boy and the young against the old. The black against the white. Everything they do is to keep us in our place.
more
Movie Connections:
References Paradise Valley (1934) more
Soundtrack:
Goodbye, So Long more

FAQ

This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
12 out of 12 people found the following review useful.
Memorable film, 31 December 2004
9/10
Author: john andrews from Australia

Certain films remain at the back of one's mind for many years. The first time I saw the film, on television, I was impressed by the realism of the situation and honesty of acting. The film is enhanced by the driving power of the theme music. Years later, I again saw the film on television and was reminded of it and how good it is. The lead actors, Yaphet Koto, Harvey Keitel and Richard Prior, must have enjoyed much critical acclaim from fellow actors for their performances. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story without too obvious predictability and easy options, especially those who think that all American movies are romanticism floss.

Was the above review useful to you?
more (34 total)

Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Blue Collar (1978)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
YAPHET KOTTO interview cultfilmfreak
DVD re-release? Pat33Ewing
good movie BigClown
missed the ending!!! angloo
pryor, keital and kotto teejay6682
soundtrack? hannahwig
more

Recommendations

If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
- - - - -
Sexy Beast The Limey Reservoir Dogs Bad Santa The Ladykillers
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
IMDb User Rating:
Show more recommendations

Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
News articles IMDb Crime section IMDb USA section
Add this title to MyMovies

You may report errors and omissions on this page to the IMDb database managers. They will be examined and if approved will be included in a future update. Clicking the 'Update' button will take you through a step-by-step process.