Man and Boy (1971 film)

In the wake of the American Civil War, an ex-soldier and his family move west to settle in lawless Arizona. ==Cast==

• Bill Cosby as Caleb Revers • Gloria Foster as Ivy • Leif Erickson as Mossman • George Spell as Billy • Douglas Turner Ward as "Christmas" • John Anderson as "Stretch" • Henry Silva as Caine • Dub Taylor as Atkins • Yaphet Kotto as Nate • Shelley Morrison as Rosita • Richard Bull as Thornhill • Robert Lawson as Lawson • Jason Clark as "Red" • Fred Graham as Himself • Jack Owens as Himself ==Production==

In 1970, Cosby made plans to have Man and Boy produced in six weeks. Marvin Miller, producer, said "We integrated our towns because that is the way it was." Filming began on January 11, 1971, in Scottsdale, Arizona After three weeks of production and $3500,000 spent and money running out, Miller contacted John Crean, a mobile home builder in Long Beach, California, to see about more financing. Crean liked that the film was going to be G-rated. Filming ended one week earlier than planned with a total cost of $800,000. At this time all of the major studios were looking to distribute the film. Del Shields, assistant producer, said there were six blacks on the production crew. More than normal on a movie set. Through Cosby's production company, Jemmin, Inc., Cosby noted that those who don't have money, will. Music Man and Boys music was composed by J. J. Johnson. Quincy Jones arranged the soundtrack for the film. ==Release==

Columbia Pictures released the film in June 1971. Critical response Roger Ebert wrote that Cosby reminded him of Will Rogers on film. The film does not have structure. ==References==