Harlem Nights (1989)

Harlem Nights: Directed by Eddie Murphy. With Eddie Murphy, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Danny Aiello. During the 1930s, a New York City illegal gambling house owner and his associates must deal with strong competition, gangsters, and corrupt cops in order to stay in business.

“In the late 80u0026#39;s to early 90u0026#39;s, black entertainers were not only making an impact in front of the cameras but behind. Directors like Spike Lee and Robert Townsend were trail blazers in the black film movement. Eddie Murphy, the decades biggest star, faced heavy criticism for not breaking ground for black filmmakers and actors until he included a predominantly black cast in 1988u0026#39;s Coming to America. And now with the u0026quot;Black Film Renaissanceu0026quot; in full swing, Murphy wanted to direct. 1989u0026#39;s Harlem Nights was Murphyu0026#39;s first and last foray into film-making. Harlem Nights is a period piece set in 1938 Harlem. Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor) and Quick (Murphy) are owners of an illegal casino and theyu0026#39;re being chased out of business by rival gangsters and corrupt police. The cast, which included the likes of Murphy along with Pryor, Redd Foxx, Robin Harris, Della Reese and a then unknown Charlie Murphy, is stellar. With all this comedic talent in one film, youu0026#39;d expect a lot more laughter. The film is hilarious but Pryoru0026#39;s role is limited, as far as comedy goes. With all these comedy legends youu0026#39;d expect to be bleeding internally from laughter. That is probably the only flaw in this film. Aside from the comedy, the films set decoration and wardrobe puts you in the prohibition era, and led to its Academy Award nomination. Harlem Nights also spawned one of the most memorable square offs in film history between Murphy and Reese. Watch that scene and you wonu0026#39;t argue with anyone when they tell you that this film is a classic.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eHarlem Nights – *** out of ****”