description Cooley High (1975) Overview
Cooley High is a 1975 American coming-of-age comedy-drama directed by Michael Schultz and written by Eric Monte. Set in Chicago in 1964, it follows high school friends Preach and Cochise as they navigate school, relationships, neighborhood life, and decisions with lasting consequences. The film centers Black teenagers as complex individuals and combines humor with a serious account of friendship and lost opportunity.
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What is Cooley High about?
Set in Chicago's Cabrini-Green housing projects in 1964, Cooley High follows high school friends Preach and Cochise as they navigate school, romance, friendships, and a series of events that lead to lasting and tragic consequences. The film balances comedy with serious drama about coming of age in a tough neighborhood.
Who directed and wrote Cooley High?
The film was directed by Michael Schultz and written by Eric Monte, who drew on his own experiences growing up in Chicago's Cabrini-Green projects. Monte would later co-create the television series Good Times with Norman Lear.
Did Cooley High inspire the TV show What's Happening!!?
Yes, the success of Cooley High helped lead to the ABC sitcom What's Happening!!, which premiered in 1976 and was co-created by Eric Monte. The TV show adopted a more comedic tone but drew on similar themes of African American teenage life.
Who starred in Cooley High?
The film starred Glynn Turman as Preach and Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs as Cochise. Both were relatively unknown at the time but went on to substantial acting careers, with Hilton-Jacobs later appearing in the sitcom Welcome Back, Kotter.
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