"Chameleon Street" (1989): Wendell B. Harris Jr.'s debut feature film was a big hit at
the Sundance Film Festival almost 20 years ago, but has since languished in
obscurity. Recently released on DVD, this amazing mix of comedy and drama is
inspired by the real-life exploits of
... moreDoug Street (Harris), a Detroit con man
who pretended to be a lawyer, a grad student and even a doctor who performs
surgery. Harris not only stars, he also directed, produced and wrote this
low-budget treat that delivers a mix of comedic brilliance and painful truth
about race relations and human nature that recalls the stand-up routines of Lenny Bruce and Richard Pryor. The film does have flaws, as the
nonlinear story line can get confusing; but Harris' script and performance are
pure genius. The fact that "Chameleon Street" has been all but forgotten, while
other, less-deserving films have thrived, is a cinematic crime. But with its
release on DVD, there is now an opportunity to "discover" a thoroughly
entertaining film. (The Everett Collection)Close
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