Walk Proud (1979)
A raw and emotionally charged portrait of a young man caught between the pull of gang loyalty and the possibility of a different life.
Walk Proud - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1979
- Directed by: Robert L. Collins
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama, Romance
- Age Rating (US): PG
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): June 15, 1979 (United States - PG)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures
- Production Countries: United States of America
Walk Proud - Plot
A young Chicano gang member in Los Angeles comes to realize that the gang life is not what he really wants but doesn't know how to get out.
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Walk Proud - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Robert L. Collins
Main Cast
- Robby Benson
- Sarah Holcomb
- Henry Darrow
- Pepe Serna
- Trinidad Silva
- Ji-Tu Cumbuka
- Lawrence Pressman
- Domingo Ambriz
- Brad Sullivan
- Irene DeBari
Writers
- Evan Hunter
Producers
- Lawrence Turman
Walk Proud - FAQs
What is Walk Proud about?
Walk Proud follows Emilio Mendez, a young Chicano gang member in East Los Angeles who begins questioning his place in street life after falling for a girl outside his world. The film explores identity, loyalty, and the painful struggle to break free from a life that feels inescapable.
Who are the main actors in Walk Proud?
Walk Proud stars Robby Benson as Emilio Mendez and Sarah Holcomb as Sarah Lassiter. The supporting cast includes Henry Darrow, Pepe Serna, Trinidad Silva, Ji-Tu Cumbuka, Lawrence Pressman, Domingo Ambriz, Brad Sullivan, and Irene DeBari.
Is Walk Proud based on a true story?
Walk Proud is not based on a specific true story. It is an original dramatic screenplay written by Evan Hunter, drawing on the broader social realities of Chicano gang culture in 1970s Los Angeles rather than any single documented event or individual.
Why was Robby Benson cast as a Chicano character?
Robby Benson, who is not Latino, was cast as Emilio Mendez, a Chicano gang member. The casting drew criticism at the time for bypassing Latino actors. The film's storyline even addresses this ambiguity by suggesting Emilio may have Anglo heritage, a narrative choice seen by many as a justification for the controversial decision.
Where can I watch Walk Proud?
Walk Proud is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. No free streaming subscription tier is currently listed for the film.
What is the age rating for Walk Proud?
Walk Proud is rated PG by the MPA. While the film deals with gang violence, loyalty, and social struggle, its content was considered appropriate for general audiences with parental guidance at the time of its theatrical release in June 1979.
What are similar movies to Walk Proud?
Viewers who enjoyed Walk Proud may also appreciate Mean Streets (1973), The Outsiders (1983), Tsotsi (2005), and Gangs of New York (2002) for their explorations of street life, identity, and the cost of loyalty. One on One (1977) and Atonement (2007) are also recommended picks.
How long is Walk Proud?
Walk Proud has a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes (102 minutes). The film was directed by Robert L. Collins and released theatrically in the United States on June 15, 1979, distributed by Universal Pictures.
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