The Cool World (1963) Harlem Youth Gangs ft. Clarence Williams III

The Cool World is a 1963 American drama film directed by Shirley Clarke about African American life in the Royal Pythons, a youth gang in Harlem. In 1994, the film was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant".

The plot concerns the obsession of Duke (Hampton Clanton), a 15-year-old member of the gang Royal Pythons, to get a gun from a racketeer named Priest (Carl Lee), in order to become the president of the Pythons and a big shot in Harlem. After their friend Littleman's father was forced out of his apartment, the Pythons take over the place and install Luanne, Python president Blood's girlfriend, as resident prostitute. Discovering that Blood is a heroin addict, Duke assumes leadership of the gang and Luanne becomes his girl. During an outing at Coney Island, however, Luanne vanishes, and Duke returns to Harlem alone.

Priest, who is pursued by his enemies, seeks refugee in the Python headquarter and is allowed to stay. In an ensuing battle with the Wolves, a rival gang, Duke stabs an antagonist. Seeking refuge, he returns to Python headquarter and discovers Priest's corpse. Duke then rushes back home and is apprehended by the police.

Utilizing first-time actors and true-life ghettos for scenery, Shirley Clarke's film dramatizes the life of young gang bangers in 1960s Harlem and transcends its narrative to deliver a vivid picture of inner-city life.

The Cool World stars real Harlem youth and some real gang members:

Rony Clanton as Hampton Clanton, Duke, a 15-year-old
Carl Lee as Priest, a neighborhood gangster, is killed by the Mob
Yolanda Rodríguez as LuAnne, a prostitute used by the Royal Pythons
Clarence Williams III as "Blood", the gang's president
Gary Bolling as "Littleman", killed by the Wolves, a rival gang
Bostic Felton as Rodney "Rod"
Joe Oliver as Angel, leader of the Wolves, killed by the Royal Pythons)
Gloria Foster as Duke's Mom
Ted Butler as Mom's Lover
Marilyn Cox as Priest's Woman, a prostitute
Antonio Fargas
The Dizzy Gillespie Quintet