Hammer (1972)

Tough guy Fred Williamson’s breakthrough movie was this below average blaxploitation crime thriller produced by drive-in movie king, Al Adamson.

Williamson plays BJ Hammer, dock worker-turned-prizefighting boxer whose crooked manager Big Sid (Charles Lampkin) wants him to start throwing bouts. When he refuses to take a dive, a hitman called Brenner (William Smith) is hired to kill him.

Blacula (1972) star Vonetta McGee is the gangster’s secretary, Lois, who becomes Hammer’s foxy lady and is kidnapped for her trouble.

Bernie Hamilton appears as a conscientious cop, Mel Stewart as Hammer’s knowing trainer, and Nawana Davis as Hammer’s proud, fiery former girl, Mary.

Williamson based his character on Muhammad Ali and even copies his moves in the ring which is the only interesting thing to cling on to as the tedium increases in this formulaic potboiler.

BJ Hammer
Fred Williamson
Davis
Bernie Hamilton
Lois
Vonetta McGee
Brenner
William Smith
Big Sid
Charles Lampkin
Rhoda
Elizabeth Harding
Professor
Mel Stewart
Sonny
D’Urville Martin
Roughhouse
Stack Pierce
Henry Jones
Jamal Moore
Mary
Nawana Davis

Director
Bruce Clark