Fred Pinkard

J.D.'s Revenge -- The story begins in New Orleans in 1942, with black crime kingpin J.D. Walker (David McKnight) shot dead on Bourbon Street. Cut to the present when clean-cut college student Ike (Glynn E. Turman) falls under the malevolent influence of the ghostly gangster. As he begins to exhibit J.D.'s boisterous, violent traits, Ike seeks out a local minister (Louis Gossett, Jr.) to exact his revenge.

Murdered on Bourbon Street in 1942 New Orleans, a gangster returns from the dead 34 years later... possessing the body of a young, black law student in his quest for revenge.

Details the life story of Scott Joplin and how he became the greatest ragtime composer of all time.

Brilliant African American composer Scott Joplin (Billy Dee Williams) fights against racism to break into the music business at the end of the 19th century, finally achieving success with a novel ragtime tune called "The Maple Leaf Rag." As ragtime becomes wildly popular, Joplin gains fame and fortune but longs to create a masterwork in a "respectable" genre. Clifton Davis and Art Carney co-star in this biographical drama.

The life story of the gifted composer who made an indelible mark upon ragtime music.

The life story of the gifted composer who made an indelible mark upon ragtime music.

Billy Dee Williams stars with Art Carney and Clifton Davis in Scott Joplin, the fascinating story about the life of the ragtime great. Best known for his song, "The Entertainer", Joplin began his career touring as a piano player in bordellos around the country. When he is discovered during a piano competition by the famous music publisher John Stark (Carney), Joplin turns into an instant success, composing songs so popular that he becomes the first black composer to be allowed to play at the World's Fair. This historic film recounts Joplin's determination in the face of racism, his heroic struggle with a debilitating disease and his ultimate triumph as a composer and musical legend.

When he's discovered during a piano playing competition by the famous music publisher John Stark (Carney), he turns into an instant success...composing songs so popular that he becomes the first black composer to be allowed to play at the World's Fair. This historic film recounts Joplin's determination in the face of racism, his heroic struggle with a debilitating disease, and his ultimate triumph as a composer and musical legend.

Ike (Glynn Turman) takes part in a hypnotist's nightclub act one night but gets more than he bargained for when he's possessed by the spirit of a vengeful 1940s mobster named J.D. With J.D.'s restless soul on a mission to get payback for his own murder, the only person who can stop his killing spree is one of his targets, the reformed thug turned preacher Reverend Bliss (Lou Gossett Jr.). Arthur Marks directs this offbeat suspense-thriller.

The story begins in New Orleans in 1942, with black crime kingpin J.D. Walker (David McKnight) shot dead on Bourbon Street. Cut to the present when clean-cut college student Ike (Glynn E. Turman) falls under the malevolent influence of the ghostly gangster. As he begins to exhibit J.D.'s boisterous, violent traits, Ike seeks out a local minister (Louis Gossett, Jr.) to exact his revenge.

The story begins in New Orleans in 1942, with black crime kingpin J.D. Walker (David McKnight) shot dead on Bourbon Street. Cut to the present when clean-cut college student Ike (Glynn E. Turman) falls under the malevolent influence of the ghostly gangster. As he begins to exhibit J.D.'s boisterous, violent traits, Ike seeks out a local minister (Louis Gossett, Jr.) to exact his revenge.