The Mighty Quinn
Tags: murder

Plot synopsis:
Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) is the chief of police on a small, unnamed Caribbean island (the novel was set on the fictional island of St. Caro). When Donald Pater, the millionaire owner of a luxury resort hotel, is found murdered, everyone assumes that the culprit is Maubee (Robert Townsend), a petty crook who also happens to be Quinn's best friend. Quinn doesn't believe it and clashes with the local bureaucracy: Thomas Elgin (James Fox), an arrogant political fixer, and the island's underqualified governor (Norman Beaton). Quinn's worries over the murder exacerbate his troubles at home; he is estranged from his wife, Lola (Sheryl Lee Ralph), and rarely has time to see his son.
Maubee eludes the police at every turn, even appearing personally to Xavier now and again, before running off. On one of these occasions, Quinn questions a witness afterward, who says that Maubee was carrying a "$10,000 bill. Trying to track down Maubee, Quinn questions Ubu Pearl (Esther Rolle), the local witch and aunt of Maubee's current girlfriend, Isola; and Hadley Elgin (Mimi Rogers), Thomas's wife, who feels a powerful attraction to Quinn. The governor also introduces Xavier to Fred Miller (M. Emmet Walsh), an affable American said to represent the murdered man's company.
The cause of Pater's death seems obvious: he was found floating in a Jacuzzi tub, decapitated. Against the governor's instructions, Quinn has the body autopsied by the elderly Dr. Raj (Keye Luke), who reports that Pater died of a venomous snake bite and was already dead when his head was cut off. Quinn notices a Latin man following him and stops to apprehend him. The man, Jose Patina (Alex Colon), claims to be on vacation, but Xavier finds he has also been questioning people around the island trying to find Maubee. Quinn questions Hadley about her encounter with Patina. She tries to seduce him, but he resists, and wanders to a bar where he entertains the crowd with a piano performance. Half drunk, Quinn is picked up by Maubee in a stolen car, and they spend a night on the beach when they remininsce. In the morning, Quinn wakes up to find Maubee gone, despite the handcuffs that he put on him.
When Patina is bailed out of jail, he confers with Miller in a seedy hotel. Miller tells him the "operation" is over, then kills Patina with a silenced pistol. Miller then goes to Ubu Pearl and demands that she tell him where Maubee is. When she refuses, he burns down her house, with her inside. Quinn eventually works out that Pater, a close associate of the U.S. President, brought stacks of $10,000 bills to the island to be picked up by Patina. The President wants to fund an anti-Communist revolution in Latin America, but Congress doesn't agree. The President is using discontinued currency that is still good but will not be missed from its storage in the U.S. Treasury. The murder messed up the plan, so the C.I.A. has sent Miller to retrieve the money and "plug up the holes."
Quinn tracks Maubee down at their childhood playground in an ancient ruin, where Maubee explains the rest of the mystery: Pater impregnated Isola when she was a maid at the hotel. Ubu Pearl demanded that Pater support the child. Pater laughed this off, and Isola was fired. Ubu Pearl instructed Isola to go to the hotel and leave a snake in Pater's room. Maubee snuck into the house to see Isola and, when he found out where she had gone, sped to the hotel but was too late. He arrived just as Pater was dying from the snakebite and saw the money in the suitcase. Maubee cut Pater's head off, put his body into the tub to try to conceal the real cause of death, and grabbed the money.
Miller arrives, having also found the hiding place, and holds the pair at gunpoint. Maubee hands over the money, and Miller departs in a helicopter. Insanely, Maubee runs out and grabs onto the helicopter as it lifts off over the ocean. Seeing him, Miller sticks his gun out the window and fires, and Quinn watches helplessly as his friend's body falls into the ocean. A snake hidden in the money sack slithers out and fatally bites the helicopter pilot. Miller struggles to regain control, but the chopper crashes into the old ruins and explodes, killing them both.
Grieved at the loss of his friend, Quinn returns home and reconciles with his wife. As he walks on the beach with his son, the camera pans down to show a line of bare footprints emerging from the water, leading to a rock with a $10,000 bill sitting on it.

Review: I can't stop watching this old movie because it's so much fun, the characters are so comfortable to be with, the locations are so relaxing, and Washington is, as always, a wonderful actor.Though it is not the high point of the movie, my favorite moment occurs when Quinn (Washington) loosens up, sits down at the piano, and begins an amusing rendition of "Cakewalk into Town."  Unfortunately, others subvert his song into "The Mighty Quinn," disturbing the atmosphere somewhat, but that's all part of the plot.Quinn's "serious cop" is the straight man to another worthy character, Maubee (Robert Townsend), an impish rascal loved by everyone on the island."The Mighty Quinn" makes me want to go to the island and party with everyone there, but, alas, it's only a movie..
An outstanding and entertaining mystery with Denzel.
This is one of the most entertaining movies I've seen all year.
It takes place in a town on a carribean island not unlike Jamaica, and tells the story of a drifter named Maubee accussed of murder, and his best friend who happens to be the town sherrif.
The film may not be action-packed, or even contain a gripping plot, but I assure any readers this movie will not dissapoint you.
Denzel Washington is delightful as the sherrif trying to prove his friends innosennce, and Robert Townsend plays the down-and-out drifter Maubee, in an equaly pleasing role.
While the films premise may not initialy draw you in, its wonderful characters and colorful island setting will.
I never tire of watching this movie.
It is one of my favorites, and a great showcase for Denzel Washington.
He gets to be the cool-headed Chief of Police that takes no crap from the rich white folks and, at the same time, is the butt of jokes from his own people.The cast of characters all add to this interesting mystery set in Jamaica.
Robert Townsend shows his amazing versatility as the childhood friend of Washington and the chief suspect in a murder.
Mimi Rogers is just luscious as the philandering spouse of James Fox, the man who wants Washington to go away and stop doing his job.
But, the whole film has a continuous soundtrack of fantastic music that adds island charm to the laughs and seduction and fun.It is the next best thing to a trip to Jamaica..
"The Mighty Quinn" is one of those movies that isn't a masterpiece by any stretch, but is interesting for what it shows.
In this case, we get to see Jamaica, where sheriff Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) is investigating a murder and trying to clear his friend Maubee's (Robert Townsend) name.
Considering that it happens in the Caribbean, you know that there's got to be some great music.
Like I said, "The Mighty Quinn" isn't a great movie or anything, but it's interesting for what it shows.
Do you want to see Denzel's beautiful brown skin against an all white uniform?
Robert Townsend is great as the wily Maubee, Mimi Rogers is convincing as a damsel in distress and Sheryl Lee Ralph showcases her talents as both an actress and a singer.
But perhaps the best part of this movie, in my opinion, is Denzel's character Xavier.
But more that that it's the way he embodies a role so much so that by the end of the movie you can't tell him from smooth tongued Jamaican police officer that he's playing.
This is an easy movie to like.I love Maubee's mystery and his history with Xavier.
I love Xavier's uniform and his relationship with all islanders.Even when Maubee is tearing down the house, he has a smile on his face.
Even when Xavier forgets to pick up his son and finds him hours later, alone and in the dark, it's not the end of the world, the child is entertaining himself and he forgives his father - easily.These island inhabitants are comfortable to watch.
What my grandmother would have called "easy in their skin.""Don't you know this is a goin' down road?"I love that line.And I love a place that would designate a mountain road "a goin' down" road during certain parts of the day.Also, this rendition of Bob Dylan "Mighty Quinn" is the easiest version to my ears..
While this movie is far from perfect, it is a great afro-centric murder mystery set on a Caribbean island.
Relaxed -- very relaxed -- murder story, with Denzel Washington as a detective ordered to find and capture his friend so the murder can be rapidly cleared up and the tourist trade flow along liquidly.
Halfway through, Washington begins to believe that there is more to the case than meets the eye, and that his buddy will be no more than a scapegoat.Very nice location shooting in Jamaica.
If you like reggae, you will LOVE this film's score.
The more desperately seedy areas of Kingston are avoided, as they would be in one of Hitchcock's movies set in an exotic locale.
The viewpoint is that of the tourist used to saying in nice hotels, the kind with jacuzzis but no venomous snakes.Denzel Washington handles the accent pretty well without quite shedding his own phones.
Everyone seems to be enjoying himself, as if on vacation.The movie is rather good-natured considering the plot.
It's not a bad flick if you're prepared to let it take you by the hand and lead you along the colorful streets, pointing out sites of interest, suggesting you taste the jerky and try one of those pink drinks in a tall glass with a flower and a paper umbrella sticking out of it.
You ain't seen NOTHING like 'The Mighty Quinn'.
This is one excellent Denzel film.
He's a Caribbean cop investigating a murder that his childhood friend (Robert Townsend) may be implicated in.
The locales and the reggae music exude quite an atmosphere, and the supporting cast (Mimi Rogers, James Fox, M.
They don't make movies like this too often.
In fact, the movie takes so long to reach at wherever it's going that you may feel like dozing off on several occasions.
Denzel Washington, in this particular role, doesn't show enough star charisma to hold the picture; his co-star, Robert Townsend, steals the show as the cheerfully irresponsible "victim of circumstances".
Truly love this movie - it has a great location, wonderful music, and an all-star cast.
The Mighty Quinn brings me to "the islands".
This is a great movie to rent on a rainy day, and after you return head to the music store and get the soundtrack..
This is one of my favorite Denzel Washington movies of all times!
The cultural issues were also well portrayed for the time that this movie is set in.
You really have to be in an attentive state of mind to appreciate this movie and have some sort of respect for the history of martial arts and the depths of having to fight a battle that you don't want to fight, to the death, because you are standing up for morale.
I really liked this movie and I hate authority.
The authority figure is the main character, so decide for yourself if these things sound interesting enough to give this movie a chance..
Released in 1989, The Mighty Quinn is currently rated as Denzel Washington's 46th best movie (on IMDB).
Denzel plays Xavier Quinn, the police chief on a Caribbean island where some stereotypical eccentricities are maybe rather over-emphasised.
The powers that be seem rather too keen to close down the investigation fast and pin the blame on Maubee - a colourful ne'er-do-well who was also Quinn's childhood friend.
A role that gives Robert Townsend plenty of scope to enjoy himself.
Denzel is still easy to watch and it's a gently diverting classic murder mystery set in a colourful community and beautiful scenery.
This May Be One Of Denzel Washington's Worst Movies!.
You will surely laugh at the awful singing when you watch this movie!
I was so annoyed with Denzel Washington,  Sheryl Lee Ralph,  and Robert Townsend's phony Jamaican accents!
Denzel Washington cannot sing!
Washington plays a very low keyed Island cop who has a murder and some wealthy people to deal with if he wants to solve it.
Washington plays a very low keyed Island cop who has a murder and some wealthy people to deal with if he wants to solve it.
Excellent support cast led by Walsh and Townsend make this a very good and underrated film..
Excellent support cast led by Walsh and Townsend make this a very good and underrated film..
A good movie.
Denzel Washington was excellent.
The film is full of interesting, quirky characters and some great dialogue as well.
This is one of those movies that's so awkwardly bad that it's almost entertaining to watch, ALMOST!!!
A wealthy white resort owner is found dead in his hotel on the island of Jamaica.
When Chief Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) investigates he's met with resistance and simply told to find Maubee (Robert Townsend).
Quinn, not willing to simply turn away, pursues the investigation further much to the disapproval of the governor as well as Elgin (James Fox), another white bigwig.Based upon the book "Finding Maubee", it's an intriguing murder mystery with a Jamaican flare.
The movie primarily follows Quinn through his surreptitious investigation as well as his family and woman troubles.
The movie is easy to watch, easy to follow, plus you get to hear Denzel do his best Jamaican impression..
Plenty of action and great acting sums up this masterpiece in movie history.
Denzel Washington had a believable accent and very cool scenes.
The fact that almost everyone in this movie were American actors playing Jamaican roles really made this movie what it is.
The mystery made this movie a thrill ride and plenty of beautiful scenery.
Robert Townsend gave this movie the bonus of comedy and the huge manhunt going to find him.
Denzel Washington makes want to watch this movie over and over again in some of the dazzling action scenes and the great Jamaican signing..
Great movie!.
Great movie!.
This movie gives me a warm fuzzy feeling and I recommend that anyone that just wants to relax and watch Denzel Washington look awesome and enjoy a 1980s mystery this is it.
Always enjoy the great acting of Denzel Washington, who plays the role as Xavier Quinn, police chief in the Jamaican community and is very serious trying to uphold the law and order.
Robert Townsend,(Maubee) plays the role of a carefree individual who does just what he pleases and mostly the wrong side of the law and is constantly laughing at strait laced Xavier Quinn.
James Fox, (Thomas Elgin) and Mimi Rogers, (Hadley Elgin) give great supporting roles.
This is not exactly the greatest film but with the great talents of Robert Townsend and Denzel Washington it is a worthwhile film to view and enjoy..
Denzel as Jamaican is kinda fun.
Police chief Xavier Quinn (Denzel Washington) on a Caribbean island investigates the murder of wealthy Donald Pater.
His childhood friend petty criminal Maubee (Robert Townsend) is the main suspect with a briefcase full of money.
Quinn doesn't buy Maubee's guilt and has a tougher time catching him.There is one memorable thing about this movie.
Denzel Washington doing a Jamaican accent.
I kind of like it all.As for the murder mystery, it doesn't really work that well.
The movie is filled with hard-boiled stereotype characters.
M. Emmet Walsh is playing a stereotype grizzled white guy living on the island.
I rather have Townsend as Washington's sidekick.
The best scene is when Townsend almost gets hit by Washington.
Washington is in desperate need of a sidekick to make this fun.
It's not a bad movie, but the island feel can only go so far..
Oh the song from Manfred Mann does cop a work out from time to time, but that's one of its many colourful elements as Denzel Washington stars as a police chief Quinn of a small Caribbean island who begins an investigation after the death of an American tourist in a resort.
The evidence leads to his shady childhood friend Maubee (an enigmatic Robert Townsend), which starts to cause a ripple within all levels of the island society.
However Quinn believes there's more to it, as there seems to be some sort of cover-up occurring and this means that its less likely his friend was involved.
Boasting a strong title, "The Mighty Quinn" is a humidly standard investigative thriller that examines human nature, but in doing so it feels a little too unfocused in its narrative structure by going off in many different paths.
There's a capable cast in James Fox, M Emmet Walsh, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Mimi Rogers and Art Evans, but they seem like in a holidaying mood.
As the title of my review states, I am Caucasian and rarely watch African-American flicks (most are comedies these days, and I am more of a drama and suspense fan).I am also not a huge fan of Denzel Washington - however, what I do love, is the country of Jamaica!!
The Jamaican people are so very different than the African American's that I know here in the US.
With that said, the accents in this movie left something to be desired.
(In fact, there were some "accents" that weren't even close to sounding Jamaican).But alas, I still enjoyed this movie.
The clothing and hair "styles" in Jamaica are very far behind the US, so perhaps that is why I didn't immediately guess the movie was as old as it was.
The cars/trucks are always quite old, as are the buildings (minus the new resorts that pop up).As many other reviewers have pointed out, the island feel in this movie is great.
I am a huge fan of reggae - and although I dislike musicals, they blended the music with the scenes very nicely.The obvious tropical backdrop, combined with the small beach shacks, the colorful residents and the busy little towns with dirt roads winding around the countryside is a great setting for a mystery.
All in all, I feel that the main character of this movie is the island itself.
Without the setting, this movie would not have worked whatsoever.
This is a great movie to watch on a cold winter day - it's a bit of an escape, and always has me counting down the days until my next visit to Jamaica.5/10.
According to Ebert, who gave this flick a whopping four stars, "...Quinn" is a "spy thriller, a buddy movie, a musical, a comedy and a picture that is wise about human nature." And, though the film may be a jack of all genres, it masters none.
Nonetheless, this film makes for solid entertainment with a Jamaican flavor worth a rental for Denzel fans.
Smooth and charming Police Chief Xavier Quinn (a fine and likable performance by Denzel Washington) has to search his Jamaican island beat for lovable local rascal and old childhood pal Maubee (a wonderfully engaging portrayal by Robert Townsend) in order to clear Maubee's name after he's accused of murder.
Capably directed with considerable flashy panache by Carl Schenkel, with a pleasantly casual pace, and a colorful and absorbing script by Hampton Fancher, further buoyed by an extremely catchy'n'bouncy reggae soundtrack, nice touches of wry humor, and a flavorsome Caribbean tropical setting, this film possesses a certain affable laid-back appeal that's impossible to either dislike or resist.
The strong cast helps a lot: Washington and especially Townsend excel in the lead roles, with fine support from James Fox as jerky rich resort owner Thomas Elgin, the lovely Mimi Rogers as Thomas' neglected and enticing wife Hadley, the always great M.
something halfway DIFFERENT from Hollywood's usual fare; Denzel plays a rather straight-laced Chief of Police of a Jamaica-like island and must track down his free-spirit childhood friend, Maubee, suspected of murder.
the best thing about this movie (to me) was its island locations and people, a great change of pace from the usual SoCal or New Yawk stuff.
the numerous musical interludes are excellent (and its great to watch a movie without the usual hip-hop or angst-metal).
watch this some night with 'Countryman' for a Caribbean Film Festival..
Chief Xavier Quinn is in charge of policing on a relaxed, unnamed Caribbean island.
Plenty of people are keen to point the finger of blame at Maubee, a local ne'er-do-well who was also a childhood friend of Quinn.
Quinn however is determined to properly investigate the case properly and as he does so he crosses paths with a Central American hit-man, a dodgy CIA operative and a case full of US $10,000 bills.If you are looking for a gritty cop drama then this isn't the film for you; however if you want a fun, fairly light mystery then you could do a lot worse.
The film nicely captures the feel of island life; all the locals appear to know each other, the pace of life is more relaxed, the scenery looks great and the sea inviting.
Denzel Washington does a solid job as Quinn, any time his accent slips slightly can be explained since we are told he spent three years in the US military and a year studying at Quantico.
Also notable are James Fox, who plays the obnoxious hotel owner; Mimi Rogers who plays his wife; M.
Robert Townsend is also great as the elusive Maubee, he steals every scene he is in as this larger than life character.
The film has a good soundtrack that adds to the Caribbean feel and some solid if mostly unspectacular action not that it is the sort of film that demands lots of action.
"The Mighty Quinn", a weak thriller by director Carl Schenkel, stars Denzel Washington as a police chief on an unnamed Caribbean island.
This film, however, finds him adopting a poor Jamaican accent.
The film co-stars Mimi Rogers and Emmet Walsh.5/10 - For a better 1980s crime flick, see Ivan Passer's "Cutter's Way".