The Five Heartbeats
Synopsis
In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, however, the guys learn many hard lessons about the reality of the music industry.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Five Heartbeats - Official Movie Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2013-10-01
Top Cast
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Robert Townsend
Duck
Michael Wright
Eddie
Leon
J.T.
Harry Lennix
Dresser
Tico Wells
Choirboy
Diahann Carroll
Eleanor Potter
Harold Nicholas
Sarge
John Canada Terrell
Michael 'Flash' Turner
Hawthorne James
Big Red
Roy Fegan
Bird
Troy Byer
Baby Doll
Carla Brothers
Tanya Sawyer
Deborah Lacey
Rose
Theresa Randle
Brenda
John Witherspoon
Wild Rudy
Bobby McGee
Leon
O.L. Duke
Monroe
Kasi Lemmons
Cookie
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 29, 1991
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Townsend
- Screenplay & Story
- Keenen Ivory Wayans, Robert Townsend
- Original Score
- Stanley Clarke
- Original Title
- The Five Heartbeats
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Production Studios
- 20th Century Fox
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Townsend
Keenen Ivory Wayans, Robert Townsend
Stanley Clarke
Bill Dill
Robert Townsend, Loretha C. Jones
Department Leadership Roster
Robert Townsend
Director
Keenen Ivory Wayans
Writer
Robert Townsend
Writer
Stanley Clarke
Original Music Composer
Bill Dill
Director of Photography
Wynn Thomas
Production Design
Ruth E. Carter
Costume Design
Robert Townsend
Producer
Loretha C. Jones
Producer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Five Heartbeats.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring The Five Heartbeats.
Coming of Age
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Classic Movies Collection
Copy of TMDB public list 8294149 - Classic Movies Collection
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Five Heartbeats
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Five Heartbeats about?
In the early 1960s, a quintet of hopeful, young African-American men form an amateur vocal group called The Five Heartbeats. After an initially rocky start, the group improves, turns pro, and rises to become a top flight music sensation. Along the way, however, the guys learn many hard lessons about the reality of the music industry.
Who directed The Five Heartbeats?
The Five Heartbeats was directed by Robert Townsend.
Who stars in The Five Heartbeats?
The principal cast of The Five Heartbeats includes Robert Townsend, Michael Wright, Leon, Harry Lennix, Tico Wells.
When was The Five Heartbeats released and how long is it?
The Five Heartbeats was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 2h 1m.
Who composed the musical score for The Five Heartbeats?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Five Heartbeats was composed by Stanley Clarke.
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Five Heartbeats?
The Five Heartbeats holds official age classifications: AU: M (Mature — Recommended for viewers 15 and older.); US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).