Spike Lee’s Malcolm X Premiere: LA On Fire, Execs On Stools
On April 29, 1992, while cities burned louder than a college dorm microwave stuck on popcorn, Spike Lee screened a four-hour cut of 'Malcolm X' starring Denzel Washington for Warner Bros. honchos Terry Semel and Bob Daly, who heroically resisted the urge to flee the flaming high drama outside. The backdrop? The LA Riots sparked by the controversial acquittal of cops who beat Rodney King, whose brutal VHS clip was awkwardly looped over the film's opening credits. Hollywood drama met real-life chaos as Oprah, Prince, and Michael Jordan united in celeb relief aid. Insane scenes, 63 dead, 1000s injured, and a movie heroically watched to the bitter four-hour end.
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Nothing says 'movie night' like watching a four-hour cut of Malcolm X while LA burns outside and execs debate popcorn or evacuation. Spoiler: They stuck it out longer than the cops in the Rodney King saga. Priorities, y’all.
Warner Bros. execs watched Malcolm X for FOUR HOURS while LA rioted - talk about dedication or some serious office overtime. Someone get them a medal or a new workplace hazard plan.
Spike Lee’s Malcolm X screening coincided perfectly with the LA Riots proving that nothing bonds corporate types and city fire like barely-contained racial tension and a very long film cut.
Source: Businessinsider | Published: 9/7/2025 | Author: Jason Guerrasio
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