Drum Poster

Drum 1976

★ 5.119 votes100 min📅 1976-07-30

"MANDINGO lit the fuse... DRUM is the explosion!"

Set in the antebellum South, Drum (1976) follows the turbulent journey of a mixed-race slave whose exceptional fighting prowess in brutal underground pits becomes both his path to influence and his greatest burden.

Director: Steve Carver

Cast

Warren Oates
Warren Oates
Hammond Maxwell
Pam Grier
Pam Grier
Regine
Ken Norton
Ken Norton
Drum
Isela Vega
Isela Vega
Marianna
Yaphet Kotto
Yaphet Kotto
Blase
John Colicos
John Colicos
Bernard DeMarigny
Fiona Lewis
Fiona Lewis
Augusta Chauvet
Paula Kelly
Paula Kelly
Rachel
Royal Dano
Royal Dano
Zeke Montgomery
Brenda Sykes
Brenda Sykes
Calinda

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Drum (1976) about?

Drum follows a biracial slave in the 1800s who gains notoriety as a pit-fighter while struggling with his position in a racist society. The story examines his internal conflict between personal success and moral outrage at systemic oppression.

Who directed Drum?

Steve Carver directed this 1976 historical drama, bringing his distinctive style to the challenging themes of slavery and underground fighting circuits.

Who stars in Drum?

The film features Warren Oates alongside Pam Grier, Ken Norton, Isela Vega, and Yaphet Kotto in key roles that drive this powerful period piece.

Is Drum (1976) worth watching?

With its unflinching portrayal of slavery-era brutality and strong performances from its ensemble cast, Drum offers a visceral historical experience that remains impactful despite its unrated status. The blend of action and social commentary makes it compelling viewing.

How long is Drum?

Drum runs for approximately 100 minutes, providing a focused exploration of its intense themes without unnecessary padding.

🎥 Trailer

Drum: Underground Fighting Meets Historical Injustice — Full Movie Details

Set in the antebellum South, Drum (1976) follows the turbulent journey of a mixed-race slave whose exceptional fighting prowess in brutal underground pits becomes both his path to influence and his greatest burden. Directed by Steve Carver, this intense historical drama weaves together elements of action, thriller, and raw social commentary as it explores themes of racial identity, power dynamics, and survival against overwhelming oppression. The film's atmosphere crackles with tension, showcasing the violent world of illegal pit-fighting while exposing the harsh realities of 19th-century plantation life.

Warren Oates leads a compelling ensemble cast that includes Pam Grier, Ken Norton, Isela Vega, Yaphet Kotto, and John Colicos. Each actor brings depth to this harrowing tale of a man caught between two worlds—his physical dominance in the ring contrasts sharply with his social powerlessness under white supremacist rule. The narrative doesn't shy away from depicting the brutal treatment of enslaved people, making Drum a challenging but important historical drama that examines how systemic injustice corrupts all levels of society.