Uptown Saturday Night

[The Burgomaster]

I recently bought this DVD and watched it last night.  I probably haven't seen this movie in at least 20 years.  The last time was on commercial television.

This is one of 3 movies that Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby made together during the 1970s.  In my opinion, they are one of the best "unsung" comedy teams.  Their on-screen chemistry is great.

Anyway, the plot involves Poitier and Cosby trying to locate a stolen lottery ticket worth $50,000.  Their search takes them through the inner city underworld where they run into a lot of memorable characters.  The supporting cast is great:  Rosalind Cash and Lincoln Kilpatrick (both from THE OMEGA MAN), Richard Pryor (who is hilarious in a small role), Flip Wilson, Roscoe Lee Browne, Calvin Lockhart, and Harry Belafonte (doing a nice "Godfather" impersonation).

The title song by Dobie Gray is excellent, and there are many funny scenes (especially the ones in which Cosby is obviously ad-libbing).

The special features include interviews with the screenwriter and a few other people.  Interesting note:  the screenwriter had Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor in mind to play the leads, but Poitier and Cosby ended up being the stars.  Poitier also directed.

I also have another Poitier/Cosby movie sitting at home: LET'S DO IT AGAIN, which co-stars Jimmie Walker as a boxer.  I saw this during its theatrical run in the mid 1970s, and maybe once on television.

The other Poitier/Cosby movie (which I don't have) is A PIECE OF THE ACTION.

[trekgeezer]

I loved the part where Sidney is day dreaming about the chick from the casino in his easy chair  right before Sunday dinner. His wife is watching him and slaps him right out of his chair.  

Ain't this the one with the bad guy named Big Shorty?