The Cool World (1963): cast, story & where to watch
1963 · Film · ★ 5.6
Released in 1963, The Cool World is a drama and crime film directed by Shirley Clarke, running about 105 minutes. “HOOKER! FUZZ! JUNK! RUMBLE! These are words that mean big trouble in...” — that tagline sets the tone.
What it’s about. A fifteen-year-old boy wants to buy a gun from an adult racketeer named Priest, in order to become president of the gang to which he belongs, and to return them to active "bopping" (gang fighting) which has declined in Harlem.
Who’s in it. The Cool World stars Rony Clanton as Duke, Carl Lee as Priest, Clarence Williams III as Blood and Yolanda Rodríguez as Luanne, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 5.6/10, The Cool World has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Cool World page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Cool World tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Cool World (1963)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Cool World change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Cool World worth watching?
- The Cool World holds an audience score of 5.6 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy drama and crime. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Cool World?
- The Cool World stars Rony Clanton, Carl Lee, Clarence Williams III, Yolanda Rodríguez and Gary Bolling.
- When was The Cool World released?
- The Cool World was released in 1963, with a runtime of about 105 minutes.