The 1989 film Do the Right Thing dealt with one of the most sensitive topics in American life: relations between the races. The controversial comedy-drama wowed movie critics, became a surprise hit at the box office, and made writer and director Spike Lee (1957–) one of the most popular filmmakers in Hollywood (see entry under 1930s—Film and Theater in volume 2).

Set in New York City, Do the Right Thing featured a talented cast of actors. Danny Aiello (1936–) played Sal, a gruff Italian American pizza-parlor owner. John Turturro (1957–) played his headstrong son, Pino. Giancarlo Esposito (1958–) played Buggin' Out, an African American activist. Lee himself appeared as Mookie, a pizza deliveryman struggling to make ends meet. The film takes place on the hottest day of the summer in Brooklyn's Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. Tensions are running high between Sal, who decorates his pizza parlor with photos of...