Overview

Set during the 1967 race riot in Detroit, The Christian Soothsayer follows two conmen, Isaac and Scoot, who are interested in neither money nor fame. When Albert and Ethel, an older black couple, become embroiled in the conflict, the conmen pose as journalists and agree to tell Albert and Ethel’s story. Isaac places three dice on the table and claims that he can receive messages from God. Supposedly, he already knows what has happened to the couple. His strange behavior incites Albert, who regrets his own inability to act when a policeman molests Ethel in front of him. Hoping to dispel Albert’s irrational concerns, Ethel challenges Isaac’s warning that the basement window will erupt. When she removes the candles from the windowsill, Isaac pulls her away as soon and the glass shatters. Albert abandons reason and decides to face the cop. After he leaves, Ethel asks why Isaac did this, and he tells her about his experience with the African-American community. Ethel leaves, and when the rioters cause a nearby explosion, Scoot experiences a seizure. Not knowing what to do, Isaac resigns and waits as the rioters enter from upstairs.