Cooley High is a coming-of-age film that explores the lives of a group of African-American teenagers living on the Near North Side of Chicago in the mid-1960s. The film was directed by Michael Schultz and was released in 1975.
The main characters are Preach and Cochise, two best friends who are trying to navigate their way through their final year of high school while enjoying their youth. They spend their free time hanging out with friends, going to parties, and meeting new people.
However, their lives take a dramatic turn when they meet a pair of career criminals, Stone and Robert. The two men convince Preach and Cochise to help them steal a Cadillac, claiming that it is an easy way to earn some quick cash. But things quickly turn sour when the four are falsely arrested for the crime.
The film follows the protagonists as they struggle with the consequences of their actions and try to maintain their friendships in the face of adversity. Preach and Cochise are forced to come to terms with the harsh realities of life, including racism and poverty.
Throughout the movie, we are introduced to a rich cast of characters, including Brenda, the object of Cochise's affection, and Pooter, a loyal friend who provides comic relief throughout the story.
The film comes to a dramatic end as the characters graduate from high school and must confront the challenges of adulthood. Cooley High has become a cult classic and is widely regarded as one of the best coming-of-age films of its time.