EDITOR’S NOTE: As the journey through Cannon continues, this week we’re exploring the films of 21st Century Film Corporation, which would be the company that Menahem Golan would take over after Cannon. Formed by Tom Ward and Art Schweitzer in 1971 (or 1976, there are some disputed expert opinions), 21st Century had a great logo and released some wild stuff.

Also known as The Six Thousand Dollar N*****r, this is a regional Miami superhero crime comedy directed by Rene Martinez Jr. (The Guy from Harlem, Road of Death).

Two criminals — Bob (Benny Latimore) and Jim (Lee Cross) — pay Dr. Dippy (Peter Conrad) six grand to create a superhero formula. You may think that such a thing would cost more which is why what the doctor makes kills whoever drinks it in just six days. They pay a homeless man named Steve (“Wildman” Steve Gallon) to take the potion and help them rip off a jewelry store. Well, they trick him into it and then tell him he’s going to die soon unless he finds a cure.

Steve falls for Peggy (Joycelyn Norris) and takes her virginity, which is really an uncomfy scene filled with no consent at all and Steve’s the hero. How strange that Dr. Dippy and his tall lover Monica (Wild Savage) have the better relationship?

Wildman Steve also shows up in  Rudy Ray Moore’s Petey Wheatstraw: The Devil’s Son In Law, which makes sense, as he’s very close to Dolemite here. He also is obsessed with ass washing, which has to be a Redd Foxx reference, as the comedian had an entire album titled You Gotta Wash Your Ass. Much like Foxx, Wildman released party animals, which were stand-up comedy records filled with dirty jokes that were sold under the counter at record stores. He also was a DJ on the radio and did many charitable efforts for Miami’s unhoused population, which won him the Cultural Ambassador’s Award.

Despite the title, this has nothing to do with The Six Million Dollar Man.

You can get the AGFA blu ray of this from Vinegar Syndrome.