Chameleon Street (1991)
A daring, Sundance-winning independent film about a Detroit con man who reinvents himself through audacious impersonation and sharp satirical wit.
Chameleon Street - Movie Information
- Original Title: Chameleon Street
- Release Year: 1991
- Directed by: Wendell B. Harris Jr.
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama, Crime
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): April 24, 1991
- Production Companies: Gathsemane 84, Prismatic Images, Films Around The World, Filmworld International Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Chameleon Street - Plot
William Douglas Street is bored with his life. Working for his father is getting to him, his wife wants more money, and he's had enough. His solution is to re-invent himself. He becomes a chameleon, taking on whatever role suits the situation. From reporter to doctor to lawyer, he impersonates anyone he feels a need to be and he can earn money being.
Chameleon Street - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the con man in action:
I Think, Therefore I Scam.
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Chameleon Street - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Wendell B. Harris Jr.
Main Cast
- Wendell B. Harris Jr.
- Angela Leslie
- Amina Fakir
- Paula McGee
- Anthony Ennis
- Davon Kiley
- Timothy Alvaro
- Renauld Bailleux
- William Ballenger
- Lynn Barbee
Writers
- Wendell B. Harris Jr.
Producers
- Dan Lawton
Chameleon Street - FAQs
Is Chameleon Street based on a true story?
Yes, Chameleon Street is based on the real-life story of William Douglas Street Jr., a Detroit con man who successfully impersonated a reporter, a surgeon, and a Yale law student during the 1970s and 1980s. His audacious exploits inspired writer-director-star Wendell B. Harris Jr. to adapt the story for the screen.
Who directed and stars in Chameleon Street?
Wendell B. Harris Jr. wrote, directed, edited, and stars in Chameleon Street, playing the real-life con man William Douglas Street. His triple-threat performance earned widespread critical praise and won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival in 1990.
What is Chameleon Street about?
Chameleon Street follows William Douglas Street, a restless Detroit man who escapes his mundane life by impersonating a journalist, a surgeon, and a lawyer. The film is a sharp, satirical examination of race, identity, and the American Dream, blending dark comedy with biting social critique.
Did Chameleon Street win any awards?
Yes. Chameleon Street won the Grand Jury Prize at the 1990 Sundance Film Festival, a landmark achievement. Despite this prestigious recognition, the film received only a limited theatrical release and remained largely overlooked by mainstream audiences for many years after its debut.
What is the age rating for Chameleon Street?
Chameleon Street is rated R in the United States. The rating reflects mature thematic content, adult language, and situations appropriate for viewers aged 17 and older. Parental guidance is advised for younger audiences.
Where can you stream Chameleon Street?
Chameleon Street is available to stream on several platforms in the US, including Amazon Prime Video, Metrograph, Eternal Family, Tubi TV, Pluto TV, YouTube Free, Kanopy, and Plex. It can also be rented or purchased on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home.
How long is Chameleon Street?
Chameleon Street has a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes (94 minutes). The film moves at a brisk, energetic pace, blending satirical comedy and dramatic tension across its relatively compact running time.
Why was Chameleon Street considered a lost film?
Despite winning Sundance's Grand Jury Prize in 1990, Chameleon Street received only a limited 1991 theatrical release and quickly fell out of circulation. For decades it was nearly impossible to find, earning cult status as a neglected masterpiece of independent Black cinema before being restored and made widely available on streaming platforms.
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