Berry Gordy’s “The Last Dragon” is returning to theaters for the cult classic movie’s 40th anniversary. Screenings of the movie will run on October 19, 20 and 22. Produced by  Motown’s Suzanne de Passe and Berry Gordy, the 1985 martial arts film was directed by Michael Schultz.

This action-packed story of bravery, dedication, and physical prowess tests the limits and goals of a once mysterious self-defense art form. Martial arts expert Leroy Green (Taimak) seeks to achieve the ‘final level’ in his craft – the level beyond the dragon, beyond excellence. On his quest, Leroy falls in love with a beautiful singer and video disc jockey, Laura Charles (Vanity). Together, they confront a power-hungry record producer bent on revenge against the young singer, as well as a bloodthirsty egomaniac determined to fight and permanently defeat Leroy. This romantic story centers on the life and death struggle between the love of power and the power of love. Leroy must ascend to the final level, but can he protect Laura’s life at the same time?

The movie helped launch the careers of William H. Macy, Chazz Palminteri, and Keshia Knight Pulliam with Queen Esther Marrow, Christopher Murney, Faith Prince, Leo O’Brien and martial artist Ernie Reyes Jr. also in the cast.

The soundtrack featured a number of hits including “Rhythm of the Night,” by DeBarge, written by Diane Warren.

Director Michael Schultz wanted to do the movie because it was dealing with images that at the time, hadn’t been shown on screen before, “attractive Black kids in a heightened reality, romantic action adventure comedy.”

In order for the movie to play with all audience, Schultz said “What I thought about was the comedy, the action, with the heart of the characters and so I wanted people to feel…The little brother who wanted to be a man…they were such great characters I wanted it to not just be action and i wanted you to care about them.”