Fifty years since its opening, , the 1970s Soul Cinema film about a street hustler making one last score to get out of the life of crime, remains a powerful influence in American pop culture. is the first full-length critical study to analyze in depth the components that made the original 1972 film a force of impact not only for its time but for all of "in perpetuity," in both Hollywood and throughout all of American culture. This study will also look at the two subsequent sequels that continue to follow the story of this fictional, enigmatic figure who has become a folk hero in popular black society, especially in hip-hop culture. And as we observe the power of this story and its themes of street life and racial politics, and how these themes continue to resonate, examines the 2018 remake production of the 1972 masterpiece, discussing how and why it failed to become a success while continuing to maintain the respect to the original film document. We will look at the stylistic choices of each director in this franchise as well as the approach of the writers in bringing the character of Priest into new, complex situations and into relevance in contemporary times.