Talk to Me Review

His Story:

Ralph Waldo "Petey" Greene Jr. was nothing more than a foul mouthed, fast talking, drinking and (former) drugging convict who had one heck of an ability to TALK! As legend tells it Petey achieved an early parole after he soothed an (allegedly) suicidal inmate off of a water tower (or flagpole, accounts differ). In minutes (about 20) he had the man safely on the ground again, a time span that could not compare to the six months he allegedly spent cajoling his buddy into climbing up there in the first place. While serving his sentence, Greene befriended the brother of WOL program director Dewey Hughes and upon his release "talked" his way into a job that made him DC's unofficial guide counselor and a much needed voice in a time of pain and change.

In the thick and prime of the civil rights movement the legendary Petey Greene was the voice of the African-American community always ready to "tell it like it is" with some of the most  line crossing yet humorous results possible. Then there were the time when the city was in an uproar over the assassination of Dr M.L.K. Jr. and the voice of Petey Greene wads looked upon to calm the violence on the streets. This was a man who went from the Lorton penitentiary all the way to dinner at the White House thanks to the thing he will always be remembered most for.....his mouth (and what he said out of it)! He was a well beloved man and well known to blacks, whites, government officials on the hill, and the winos in the ghetto bars. He was far from a saint but very close to his community and the city he loved so. His voice was of the people, for the people, by the people, because he was the people! When Petey passed away close to 10,000 mourner's attended his funeral...... more than any DC ellected official's funeral ever recieved!

The Movie (And Bottom Line):

This was truly a well acted film with everyone delivering shinning and memorable performances and the movie does it's best to tell Green'e story detail for detail. There are moments of sadness and and total LOL gut busting humor and complete this well rounded movie. The one thing that bothered me was the steady use of the word n***** throughout allot of the film. I debated about this issue with my best friend and he brought to my attention that I had to keep in mind what time period this all took place and just how far the film maker's were willing to "tell it like it is" as the late Greene would have done. If you should happen to check this movie out be prepared to hear some harsh words BUT don't let this "viewpoint" shy you away from learning about one of D.C.'s little known legend's and seeing one solid piece of movie viewing experience!