Killer of Sheep
(1977)

Director: Charles Burnett

Key Cast: Henry G. Sanders, Kaycee Moore, Charles Bracy, Angela Burnett, Eugene Cherry and Jack Drummond,

Rating: Not Rated

Genre(s): Drama

"Killer of Sheep" is about an African American man named Stan (Henry G. Sanders), who works at the slaughterhouse in the Watts area of Los Angeles,  is married and has two children.

“Frustrated by money problems, he finds respite in moments of simple beauty: the warmth of a teacup against his cheek, slow dancing with his wife, holding his daughter. Combining lyrical moments with neorealist style, Burnett unfolds his story with compassion and humor.” (Source: DVD Cover)

∙  Because of problems with getting music rights, "Killer of Sheep" was not released in theatres for over thirty years.  It received limited theatre release in 2007 and was then made available on DVD for the first time in late 2007.

∙  Charles Burnett directed, wrote and produced this film.  He spent an entire year filming it on weekends in 1972 and 1973.  He eventually used it as his Master of Fine Arts thesis for the University of California, Los Angeles School of Film.

∙  Many notable African-American musicians and singers are a part of the soundtrack for Killer of Sheep, such as, Dinah Washington, Paul Robeson, Louis Armstrong and Earth, Wind & Fire.

∙  Charles Burnett stated that he also wanted to film’s soundtrack to reflect the history of African-American music which is why he used a variety of different songs from different eras.

∙  Because of budget constraints, Charles Burnett used family and friends to film "Killer of Sheep."

Buy Killer of Sheep: The Charles Burnett Collection
"Killer of Sheep" is the much heralded film by African-American
film director, Charles Burnett.

This film was unavailable for 30 years until it was digitally
restored by the UCLA Film and Television Archives.

This two-disc DVD set also contains another Charles Burnett film,
"My Brother's Wedding."

More DVD Extras!
Three short films: Several Friends, The Horse, When It Rains
Documentary about the making of "Killer of Sheep"
Commentary with Charles Burnett and Richard Pena

   
Free shipping on orders
over $25.