Carbon Copy is a 1981 comedy-drama film directed by Michael Schultz, produced by RKO Pictures and Hemdale Film Corporation, and released by Avco Embassy Pictures. The film stars George Segal, Susan Saint James, Jack Warden, and Denzel Washington in his film acting debut.
Principal photography began on May 19, 1980, at the Samuel Goldwyn Studio in Hollywood, California, and concluded in July 1980. The production used 25 locations in Southern California, including Malibu and Lancaster.
Carbon Copy initially received an R rating from the MPAA, but it was reduced to a PG rating on appeal. Shout! Factory (under license from MGM) released the film in its original widescreen format on Blu-ray in 2018.
The film has a 33% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 6 reviews. However, some viewers have praised the film for its humorous and insightful depiction of race relations.
In summary, Carbon Copy is a 1981 comedy-drama film that explores issues of race and identity through the story of a white executive who discovers he has an illegitimate black son.
Plot
The film follows Walter Whitney, a successful white executive, who discovers that he has an illegitimate black son named Roger. Roger is a young man who is struggling to find his place in the world, and Walter's sudden appearance in his life causes a great deal of upheaval.
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Cast
- George Segal as Walter Whitney
- Susan Saint James as Vivian Whitney
- Jack Warden as Nelson Longhurst
- Dick Martin as Victor Bard
- Denzel Washington as Roger Porter
- Paul Winfield as Bob Garvey
- Macon McCalman as Tubby Wederholt
- Vicky Dawson as Mary Ann, Vivian's daughter
- Tom Poston as Reverend Hayworth
- Greg Finley as 1st Guard
- Jim Greenleaf as Basketball Boy (as James Greenleaf)
- Helen Baron as Secretary
- Patrick Wright as Truck Driver
- Ned Monell as Policeman
- Jeremy Smith as Policeman
- Lee Garlington as Extra (uncredited)
The film also had a number of crew members, including director Michael Schultz, writer Stanley Shapiro, and cinematographer Fred J. Koenekamp, among others.
Director: Michael Schultz
Writer: Stanley Shapiro
Box Office Gross: $9,566,593
Distributor: Embassy Pictures
Release Date (Streaming): Nov 23, 2016
