The History of The Mack

For those of you who have learned me through the postings on my blog, this will come as no surprise.  I am a big fan of black cinemas from the late sixties and early ninety's era.  I know that's lame.  However, these were the best movies.  It also gives you the history of some of your favorite actors/actress.  For instance, "A Hero Ain't Nothing But A Sandwich" happens to be one of my top 5 must see movies.  Did you know that Cicely Tyson was the mother and Paul Wynnefield was the Stepfather of the heroin addicted child, Benji?   Well, I'm going to dedicate this post to the men who consider themselves players or ballers.  I mean that in a positive way.

A lot of upcoming hustlers are big fans of the movie, "The Mack".  What a lot of people don't know is that that the movie was based on the life of the largest drug dealer/pimp, Frank Ward.  The movie was handsomely funded by Frank Ward and he worked side by side to ensure that actor, Max Julien portrayed him correctly.  He even went as far as providing protection for the cast while filming.  Also, Cadillac driven by Goldie in the film was his personal vehicle.  If you are a true fan of "The Mack" you will remember the Player Ball and Player Picnic with the scene of the junkie nodding off at base while playing baseball.  Well, that wasn't an actor.  Frank paid fellow pimps and junkies to be involved with certain scenes for a more realistic effect.  The scene when Goldie's main chick, Lulu (Carol Speed) were teaching the rest of the girls how to boost (shoplift)  is a craft that Frank taught in his stable as well.  Shortly, after filming Carol and Frank began a brief relationship.  Fellow cast mates were leary of the couple's dating because Carol Speed was known to be a bit naive.  I guess they feared him turning her out to be a prostitute.  That was a fear that they didn't have to harbor for long.  Frank Ward and his bottom lady (main prostitute) were later shot execution style inside of his Rolls Royce.  It was rumored that  The Black Panthers were responsible for the murder.  Unfortunately, with no longer funding for protection the cast and film crew had to relocate to L.A. to finish filming the movie.  Huey Newton also insisted that benefits from the premiere went to The Black Panthers' milk fund in Oakland, CA.  The picture above below the title is actually Frank Ward, Max Julien, and Frank's Brother.  The second picture is of Frank and his brother.
Again, not enough words can tell you how thankful I am for each and everyone of you that take the time to read what is on my mind by visiting this site.  But, I will tell you that I am forever grateful for all of you.  May God bless you abundantly...Peace.....