Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

Watch Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip

  • R
  • 2000
  • 1 hr 36 min
  • 7.6  (4,378)

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip is a 1982 American comedy film starring the legendary stand-up comedian Richard Pryor. The film is a recording of Pryor's highly acclaimed live performance at the Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles, California. This was Pryor's fourth concert film and was released by Columbia Pictures. The movie is predominantly in the form of a stand-up comedy routine, spattered with occasional insights into the personal life of Richard Pryor. The film begins with Pryor standing in front of a full house crowd at the Hollywood Palladium, looking dapper and ready to deliver his unmistakable brand of comedy. From beginning to end, the comedian is in full form, delivering one hilariously funny anecdote after another.

Pryor starts the show off by discussing his trip to Africa, where an African woman boldly tells him that he is not black, but American -- an event that Pryor considers one of his most embarrassing moments. The comedian then goes on to talk about a range of topics, from the differences between black and white people to drug use and sex. He makes fun of religion, pokes fun at his own insecurities and problems, and unleashes a barrage of jokes at the expense of famous figures like Ronald Reagan, Mohammed Ali, and even Bambi.

One of the highlights of the film is Pryor's performance of his famous "Mudbone" sketch. In this sketch, Pryor assumes the persona of a lowdown old storyteller, regaling the audience with tales of his childhood in rural Mississippi. As he tells the stories, he shifts into the voices and accents of different characters, bringing the tales vividly to life.

Throughout the performance, Pryor's delivery is spot-on, punctuated with his trademark pauses and mimes that invite the viewer to join in his laughter. He also gets personal at times, discussing his battles with drug addiction and the horrific accident that nearly killed him.

Gene Cross and Julie Hampton, who are credited as supporting actors, appear briefly in the movie, playing conservative audience members who are initially horrified by Pryor's crude jokes but subsequently become enamored with him. Their small parts serve to break up the long stretches of Pryor's monologue and give the viewer a chance to catch their breath.

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip was a critical and commercial success when it was released in 1982, with many critics calling it Pryor's best concert film. The movie was hailed by many, including Roger Ebert, who called it "an electrifying, heartfelt, brilliant performance". The film was nominated for the prestigious Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation, making it the first ever stand-up comedy film to receive such an honor.

Overall, Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip is a must-see for any fan of the legendary comedian, as well as for those who appreciate great stand-up comedy. The film showcases Pryor at the peak of his powers, delivering side-splitting one-liners and witty observations with ease and grace. Even after almost forty years since its release, the film remains a testament to Pryor's comedic genius and is guaranteed to leave the viewer in stitches.

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip is a 2000 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6.

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip
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Where to Watch Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip
Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2000
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 36 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    7.6  (4,378)