46 Facts About The Movie Cooley High

The Inspiration

Cooley High was inspired by the real-life experiences of writer and producer, Eric Monte, who attended Edwin G. Cooley Vocational High School in Chicago.

Release Year

The movie Cooley High was released in 1975.

Setting

Cooley High is set in the Cabrini-Green public housing development in Chicago’s Near North Side.

Coming-of-Age Drama

Cooley High is a coming-of-age drama that explores the lives of a group of high school students in Chicago during the 1960s.

Box Office Success

Despite being made on a modest budget, Cooley High went on to become a box office success, grossing over $13 million worldwide.

Soundtrack

The movie features a memorable soundtrack that showcases the music of the 1960s, including songs by artists such as The Four Tops and The Temptations.

Director

Cooley High was directed by Michael Schultz, who is known for his work in African-American cinema during the 1970s.

Screenplay

The screenplay for Cooley High was written by Eric Monte and Michael Evans.

Autobiographical Elements

Eric Monte drew heavily from his own experiences growing up in Chicago to create the characters and storyline of Cooley High.

Social Issues

The movie tackles various social issues prevalent in the 1960s, including racial tension, gang violence, and poverty.

Cast

The cast of Cooley High includes Glynn Turman, Lawrence-Hilton Jacobs, Garrett Morris, and Cynthia Davis.

Glynn Turman’s Performance

Glynn Turman delivers a standout performance as Preach, one of the main characters in the movie.

Iconic Moments

Cooley High is known for its iconic moments, such as the high school dance scene and the hilarious car chase sequence.

Critical Acclaim

The movie received positive reviews from critics, who praised its authentic portrayal of teenage life in the 1960s.

Cultural Impact

Cooley High has had a lasting cultural impact, influencing future coming-of-age films centered around African-American characters.

Nostalgic Tone

The movie captures a nostalgic tone, transporting viewers back to the 1960s with its authentic sets and costumes.

Sequel

A television spinoff titled “Cooley & High” was developed in the 1990s but never made it to air.

Cultural Representation

Cooley High provides an important representation of African-American culture and experiences during the 1960s.

Coming-of-Age Themes

The movie explores themes of friendship, love, and the transition from adolescence to adulthood.

Realistic Dialogue 

The dialogue in Cooley High is praised for its realism and authenticity, capturing the slang and language of the time.

Timeless Storytelling

Despite being set in the 1960s, Cooley High’s themes and storytelling remain relatable and timeless.

Emotional Impact

The movie evokes a range of emotions, from laughter to tears, as it delves into the characters’ lives and struggles.

Critique of Education System

Cooley High indirectly critiques the education system by portraying the characters’ struggle with the limited opportunities available to them.

Cult Classic

Over the years, Cooley High has gained a cult following, with fans appreciating its authentic portrayal of urban life in the 1960s.

Character Development

The characters in Cooley High undergo significant development throughout the course of the movie, experiencing both triumphs and hardships.

Impact on African-American Filmmakers

Cooley High has served as an inspiration for many African-American filmmakers, showcasing the importance of authentic storytelling.

Award Nominations

Cooley High received multiple award nominations, including Best New Filmmaker at the Cannes Film Festival.

Realistic Portrayal of Teenagers

The movie accurately depicts the struggles, dreams, and aspirations of teenagers growing up in an inner-city neighborhood during the 1960s.

Universal Themes

Although Cooley High focuses on African-American characters, its themes of friendship, dreams, and self-discovery resonate with audiences of all backgrounds.

Connection to Audiences

Cooley High remains beloved by audiences for its relatability and ability to connect on an emotional level.

Homage to Teenage Experience 

The movie pays homage to the universal teenage experience, portraying the joys and challenges of youth.

Authentic Street Scenes

Cooley High features authentic street scenes shot on location in Chicago, adding to its realistic portrayal of the era.

Positive Portrayal of African-American Youth

Cooley High presents a positive and nuanced portrayal of African-American youth, countering negative stereotypes prevalent in mainstream media at the time.

Impact on Pop Culture

Cooley High has influenced various elements of pop culture, from fashion trends to hip-hop music.

Ensemble Cast

The movie features a talented ensemble cast, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles.

Cultural Time Capsule

Cooley High acts as a cultural time capsule, capturing the essence of a specific period in African-American history.

Impact on Future Filmmakers

Cooley High continues to inspire a new generation of filmmakers to tell stories that reflect their own experiences and communities.

Memorable Quotes

Cooley High is known for its memorable quotes, such as “I’m gonna get myself an education, so I don’t have to be no bus driver or no garbage man”

Real-Life Parallel

The events depicted in Cooley High mirror the experiences of many young people growing up in impoverished neighborhoods during that time.

Authentic Representation

The movie strives for authentic representation, portraying the characters in a way that feels true to their lived experiences.

Enduring Appeal

Cooley High’s enduring appeal can be attributed to its universal themes, relatable characters, and timeless storytelling.

Positive Reception

Cooley High was well-received by both audiences and critics upon its release, solidifying its place in film history.

Inspirational Message

Cooley High delivers an inspirational message about the power of friendship and the importance of pursuing one’s dreams.

Representation Matters

Cooley High showcases the significance of representation in film, highlighting the need for diverse stories and perspectives.

Influence on Coming-of-Age genre

Cooley High has had a significant influence on the coming-of-age genre, paving the way for more authentic and diverse stories to be told.

Timeless Classic

Cooley High remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences, showcasing the power of storytelling.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Cooley High” is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. With its charismatic cast, heartfelt storytelling, and impactful themes, the film has solidified its place as a beloved piece of cinema history. From its realistic portrayal of teenage life in the 1960s to its exploration of friendship, love, and the challenges of growing up, “Cooley High” stands as a powerful and memorable film that leaves a lasting impression on viewers. Whether you’re a fan of coming-of-age stories, a lover of nostalgic cinema, or simply someone looking for a captivating film, “Cooley High” is definitely worth checking out.

FAQs

1. What is the plot of “Cooley High”?

“Cooley High” follows the lives of high school friends, Preach and Cochise, as they navigate through the ups and downs of teenage life in Chicago’s Cabrini-Green housing projects during the 1960s. The film explores their experiences with love, friendship, and the challenges they face along the way.

2. Who are the main characters in “Cooley High”?

The main characters in “Cooley High” are Preach (played by Glynn Turman) and Cochise (played by Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs), two best friends who are determined to make the most out of their high school years despite the obstacles they face.

3. When was “Cooley High” released?

“Cooley High” was released on June 25, 1975.

4. Is “Cooley High” based on a true story?

No, “Cooley High” is not based on a true story. However, it is inspired by the real-life experiences of the film’s writer, Eric Monte, who drew upon his own upbringing in Chicago for the script.

5. Who directed “Cooley High”?

“Cooley High” was directed by Michael Schultz.

6. Is “Cooley High” a comedy or a drama?

“Cooley High” is a coming-of-age comedy-drama that blends humor and heart with its portrayal of teenage life and the challenges faced by its characters.

7. Can I watch “Cooley High” online?

Yes, “Cooley High” is available for streaming on various platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu, depending on your region and subscriptions.