Is The River Niger Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The River Niger is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 105 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The River Niger Review
Last updated: January 9, 2026
The Premise
Released in 1976, The River Niger enters the Drama genre with a narrative focused on An intimate look at life in the ghetto: Johnny Williams is a house painter who moonlights as a poet, struggling to financially and emotionally support his cancer-ridden wife Mattie. Under the direction of Krishna Shah, the film attempts to weave detailed character arcs with visual storytelling.
Cast & Performance
The film is anchored by performances from James Earl Jones, Cicely Tyson, Louis Gossett Jr.. While the cast delivers competent performances, the script occasionally limits their range.
Technical Aspects & Direction
From a technical standpoint, The River Niger offers a competent presentation. The cinematography aligns well with the tone, keeping the narrative moving at a brisk pace.
Where to Watch
As of January 2026, The River Niger is available in theaters worldwide. For streaming audiences in the US and UK, look for availability on major platforms roughly 45 days after the theatrical release. Check your local listings for specific showtimes.
Final Thoughts
With an audience rating of 6.8/10, the reception has been generally positive. For fans of Drama, it serves as a worthy addition to the watchlist.
Cast of The River Niger
- James Earl Jones – Johnny Williams
- Cicely Tyson – Mattie Williams
- Louis Gossett Jr. – Dr. Dudley Stanton
- Glynn Turman – Jeff Williams
- Jonelle Allen – Ann Vanderguild
Top Highlights
James Earl JonesJohnny Williams
Cicely TysonMattie Williams
Louis Gossett Jr.Dr. Dudley Stanton
Glynn TurmanJeff Williams
Jonelle AllenAnn Vanderguild
Roger E. MosleyBig Moe Hayes
Ralph WilcoxAl
Teddy WilsonChips
Charles WeldonSkeeter
Shirley Jo FinneyGail
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6.8/10, and global collection metrics, The River Niger stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1976 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The River Niger movie hit or flop?
The River Niger has received mixed reviews with a 6.8/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is The River Niger worth watching?
The River Niger is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama movies, but read reviews first.
What genre is The River Niger?
The River Niger is a Drama movie that An intimate look at life in the ghetto: Johnny Williams is a house painter who moonlights as a poet, struggling to financially and emotionally support...
