ALWAYS OUTNUMBERED (TV)
Summary
This made-for-television movie adaptation of Walter Mosley's novel "Always Outnumbered, Always Outgunned" tells the story of an ex-con named Socrates Fortlow, and his role in a small community in the Los Angeles area. The story is narrated in part by Socrates' best friend, Right Burke, who introduces Socrates as a solitary man who grew up hard and lived full of rage. Socrates' rage eventually led to a double homicide, eighteen years in prison, and most importantly, a heavy burden on his soul which is a motivating impulse in his new life out of prison. Although he has sworn to control his violent temper, he still uses force when he feels it is justified -- and it is often justified in his neighborhood. He works on the streets collecting cans and bottles, but aims for a job at Bounty supermarket in West Los Angeles. As a treat after hard work on the streets, Socrates eats at his friend Lula's diner, where he enjoys her company as much as her food. She encourages him to work for her and also to become closer to her, but he remembers that passionate love of a woman led him to murder in the past, and shies away from a serious bond.
Although he is a very hard man, Socrates cares deeply for his friends and puts a great deal of thought and energy into helping those around him. In particular, he becomes very fond of a troubled young boy named Darryl who, like Socrates, is haunted by a murder. He helps guide Darryl onto a path of responsibility and also finds him a safe place to live. Socrates shows equal concern for Howard's family when Howard leaves his wife and two children. Socrates makes sure that Howard comes to recognize the value of his wife and family, and forces him to rethink his actions. Meanwhile, he persistently applies for a position at the Bounty market, although his rough demeanor scares the staff and makes them hesitant to give him work. Back in his neighborhood, he handles two more situations that require his attention: First, when a group of local men convene to discuss a drug addict who is terrorizing their area, Socrates takes charge and makes a personal sacrifice to rid their street of the drug addict's threats. The final challenge comes when he finds out that Right is dying of cancer. As Right explains, the hardest thing for Socrates to face is a situation in which he can do nothing, and Socrates cannot do anything to stop Right's disease. However he stands by Right to the end, and helps his friend ease into the next world with dignity.
Details
- NETWORK: HBO
- DATE: March 21, 1998 9:00 PM
- RUNNING TIME: 1:48:05
- COLOR/B&W: Color
- CATALOG ID: T:52623
- GENRE: Drama
- SUBJECT HEADING: Drama; Ex-convicts; Friendship
- SERIES RUN: HBO - TV, 1998
- COMMERCIALS: N/A
CREDITS
- Laurence Fishburne … Executive Producer
- Walter Mosley … Executive Producer, Writer, Based on the book by
- Anne-Marie Mackay … Producer
- Jonathon Ker … Producer
- Jeffrey Downer … Co-Producer
- Helen McCusker … Associate Producer
- Jeannet H. Kim … Associate Producer
- Michael Apted … Director
- Michael Franti … Music by
- Carl Young … Music by, Lyrics
- Randy Miller … Conductor
- Laurence Fishburne … Cast, Socrates Fortlow
- Daniel Williams … Cast, Darryl
- Bill Cobbs … Cast, Right Burke
- Natalie Cole … Cast, Iula Brown
- Laurie Metcalf … Cast, Halley Grimes
- Alan Wilder … Cast, Anton Wilder
- Cicely Tyson … Cast, Luvia
- Briogio Coulter … Cast, Corina
- Bill Nunn … Cast, Howard
- Isaiah Washington … Cast, Wilfred
- Bill Duke … Cast, Blackbird Wills
- Kevin Carroll … Cast, Felix
- Kelvin Garvanne … Cast, a Lover
- Crystal LaPrie … Cast, a Lover
- John Wesley … Cast, the Store Manager
- John Cothran … Cast, the Man in Community Center
- John Toles-Bey … Cast, Stoney Wiley
- Brooke Marie Bridges … Cast, Winnie
- Greg Bird … Cast, Domino Player #1
- Jamaal Carter … Cast, Phillip
- Norm D. Wilson … Cast, Domino Player #2
- Zaid Farid … Cast, the Bus Driver
- Darren O'Gannon … Cast, Leroy Wade
- Maurice Blake … Cast, a Posse Member
- Lawrence Hales … Cast, a Posse Member
- David Gramling … Cast, a Posse Member
- Jason Young … Cast, a Posse Member
- John Gavigan … Cast, Mr. Keene
- Perry Moore … Cast, Kiko
- Sammi Rotibi … Cast, Marlen Green
- Art Evans … Cast, Markham Peale
- Danny Goloring … Cast, Parker
- Dan Martin … Cast, Weems
- Paula Jai Parker … Cast, Melodie
- Vonte Sweet … Cast, Shep Fegel
- Mykel Taylor … Cast, Felix Weldon Warren
- Mary-Michelle Trinity … Cast, Mrs. Warren
- Erika LaVonn … Cast, Charla
- Sonya Haynes … Cast, Defoe
- Regan Forman … Cast, Telephonist
- Dirk Vahle … Cast, Helicopter Pilot