In this satirical comedy from the 80s, we follow a young college student named Mark Watson, a law student who dreams of obtaining a scholarship to cover his tuition. Desperate due to his inability to pay for school, he devises a harebrained scheme: to pose as an African American. Using a tanning treatment and an unethical approach, he transforms into “Mark” and dives into college life. What begins as a risky experiment soon turns into a revealing experience.
As Mark navigates his new identity, he confronts the reality of racism and the prejudices faced by the African American community. Through his interactions with classmates and professors, he learns valuable lessons about empathy, identity, and the challenges others face. However, the deception also brings complications, as Mark must maintain his charade while he starts to form genuine connections with new friends and even develops feelings for a classmate.
The film does not hold back on humor, but it also poses profound questions about identity, equality, and what it truly means to be part of a community. With a light yet reflective tone, Mark’s journey becomes a quest not only for a scholarship but for his own sense of belonging and truth in a world filled with prejudice and stereotypes. Ultimately, the conclusion leads him to a transformation that could change not only his life but also his outlook on the world.