The Bus Is Coming A.K.A. Ghetto Revenge • (1971)

The Bus Is Coming (1971), also released as Ghetto Revenge, is an American independent drama directed by Wendell Franklin. Starring Mike B. Sims, Lonnie Bradford, Stephanie Faulkner, Burl Bullock, Tony Sweeting, and Jack Wrangler, the film explores racial injustice, political activism, and community tensions in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Often associated with the early Blaxploitation movement, it stands apart for its serious social commentary, realistic storytelling, and powerful performances. Available from ClassicKungFuMovies.com for collectors who value accurate film details and hard-to-find physical media.

STORY OVERVIEW

After returning to Watts from military service in Vietnam, Billy Mitchell discovers that his brother has been murdered by racist police officers. Struggling to cope with grief and injustice, he becomes caught between community leaders, Black militants, and growing racial unrest as tensions threaten to erupt into violence. Determined to uncover the truth, Billy must decide whether revenge or justice will shape his future while confronting corruption, prejudice, and betrayal without revealing the film's conclusion.

FILM HIGHLIGHTS

The Bus Is Coming delivers an honest portrayal of urban America during the early 1970s, focusing on racial inequality, police brutality, and the challenges faced by Black veterans returning from Vietnam. Rather than relying on exploitation-style action, the film emphasizes character-driven drama, political awareness, and social realism, making it one of the more thoughtful productions associated with the Blaxploitation era.

WHY COLLECTORS PICK IT

The Bus Is Coming has earned a reputation as one of the overlooked films of early Black independent cinema. Collectors appreciate its realistic performances, socially relevant themes, and historical importance as one of the first films directed by pioneering African American filmmaker Wendell Franklin. Its combination of political drama and emotional storytelling continues to resonate with fans of classic Black cinema.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Released in 1971, The Bus Is Coming was the only feature film directed by Wendell Franklin, the first African American admitted to the Directors Guild of America. Arriving at the beginning of the Blaxploitation era, it offered a more serious and socially conscious perspective than many contemporary releases while addressing racism, police violence, and the experiences of Black Vietnam veterans.

• Verified AKAs:
  • The Bus Is Coming – Original U.S. theatrical title
  • Ghetto Revenge – Alternate U.S. release title
• Director: Wendell Franklin
• Producers: Horace Jackson, Herbert H. Dow
• Writers: Horace Jackson, Robert H. Raff, Mike Rhodes
• Music: Tom McIntosh
• Cinematography: Mike Rhodes
• Editor: Donald R. Rode
• Studio: K-Calb Productions
• Distributor: William Thompson Productions
• Starring: Mike B. Sims, Lonnie Bradford, Stephanie Faulkner, Burl Bullock, Tony Sweeting, Jack Wrangler
• Country: United States
• Genre: Blaxploitation, Drama, Crime, Social Drama
• Format: DVD
• Language: English
• Region: All Regions
• Running Time: 109 Minutes
• Release Year: 1971

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