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

  • NR
  • 01/01/2009 (US)
  • Comedy, Documentary
  • 1h 35m

Overview

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. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.

John Long

Writer

Quincy Newell

Writer

Robert Townsend

Director

Cast

Franklyn Ajaye's headshot

Franklyn Ajaye

Self
Angela Bassett's headshot

Angela Bassett

Narrator (voice)
Bill Bellamy's headshot

Bill Bellamy

Self
Todd Boyd's headshot

Todd Boyd

Self
Jeff Clanagan's headshot

Jeff Clanagan

Self
Bill Cosby's headshot

Bill Cosby

Self
Stanley Crouch's headshot

Stanley Crouch

Self
Elijah Cummings's headshot

Elijah Cummings

Self

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