THE MOMENT JAMES BROWN TAKES OVER THE CHURCH
Few scenes in The Blues Brothers capture the movie’s unique combination of music and comedy better than James Brown performing “The Old Landmark.”
The scene takes place inside Triple Rock Baptist Church, where James Brown appears as Reverend Cleophus James.
What begins as a church service quickly becomes an extraordinary gospel and soul performance.
The official video description for this clip captures the same idea perfectly: Brown is not simply delivering a sermon.
He is creating a full musical revival while Jake and Elwood watch from the back of the church.
JAMES BROWN AS REVEREND CLEOPHUS JAMES
James Brown was already one of the most influential performers in American popular music when The Blues Brothers was released in 1980.
Giving him the role of Reverend Cleophus James was an inspired choice.
The character allows Brown to combine preaching, dancing, singing, and his legendary stage presence.
Instead of feeling like a celebrity cameo inserted into a comedy movie, Brown becomes the center of the entire sequence.
His performance feels completely committed.
He moves with intensity.
He commands the congregation.
And when the...
