The Harder They Come

Ivanhoe Martin comes to Kingston, Jamaica, from the countryside in search of work and a better life. He dreams of making it as a singer, and after early setbacks he gets a chance to record a song, "The Harder They Come," for a producer named Hilton. The deal turns sour when Hilton refuses to give him a fair share, leaving Ivan broke and unable to support himself. He drifts into the marijuana trade, and after a violent run-in with the police he becomes a fugitive. As his record climbs toward the top of the charts, he is both the island's most wanted man and a hero to the poor in the slums around him.

Perry Henzell directed and co-wrote the film with Trevor D. Rhone, and produced it with Jeff Scheftel. It was made in Jamaica by International Films, runs 103 minutes, and belongs to the crime, drama and music genres. Reggae singer Jimmy Cliff stars as Ivan, heading a credited cast of 25 that includes Janet Bartley, Carl Bradshaw, Ras Daniel Hartman, Basil Keane and Bob Charlton.

The film is set in Kingston and draws on the Jamaican music business of its time, following a young man whose ambitions collide with the people who control the industry. On IMDb it holds a rating of 6.6 out of 10 based on 130 votes.