Watch Harlem Nights

Harlem Nights, released in 1989, is a crime-comedy film that marked the directorial debut of Eddie Murphy. The movie features an ensemble cast of iconic comedians such as Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, and Murphy himself. The movie is set in the late 1930s and tells the story of a group of nightclub owners in Harlem who get caught up in a series of illegal activities.

The plot centers around a nightclub owner named Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor) who runs a profitable establishment in Harlem but starts to face trouble when a ruthless gangster named Bugsy Calhoune (Michael Lerner) targets him for extortion. Sugar Ray, along with his partner-in-crime Quick (Eddie Murphy), decides to fight back against Bugsy and his cronies. They enlist the help of various quirky characters, including a sharp-shooting elderly man named Bennie Wilson (Redd Foxx), who joins their mission to take down the mob and save their beloved Harlem.

The film showcases the lives of African Americans during the 1930s and touches on themes of racism, segregation, and inequality. There are various subplots and side-stories that highlight the daily struggles of people of color during that time period. For example, one sub-plot focuses on a young woman named Vera (Jasmine Guy) who works at one of Sugar Ray’s nightclubs and has to deal with sexual harassment from her boss. Another subplot features an amateur boxer named Jimmy (Michael Wright) who dreams of making it big in the boxing world but has to deal with discrimination from his white competitors.

Despite being a comedy, Harlem Nights also features several dramatic and action-packed scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. For example, there are several shoot-outs between Sugar Ray’s crew and Bugsy’s henchmen, each one more intense than the last. The film also has a romantic subplot between Quick and a singer named Sunshine (Eddie Murphy’s wife at the time, Nicole Murphy) that adds a touch of sweetness to the overall storyline.

One of the film's strongest aspects is undoubtedly the cast. Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, two of the most prominent African American comedians of all time, share the screen for the first and only time in Harlem Nights. Their chemistry and comedic timing are unmatched, and their one-liners and banter are sure to leave viewers in stitches. Redd Foxx, a legendary comedian who starred in the classic sitcom Sanford and Son, plays a lovable character who steals every scene he’s in. In addition, the film boasts an impressive supporting cast, including Danny Aiello, Della Reese, and Arsenio Hall, all of whom deliver memorable performances.

In conclusion, Harlem Nights is a entertaining comedy with a lot of heart. It offers a glimpse into the lives of African Americans during a difficult time in American history, and the issues it tackles are still relevant today. The film is a testament to the immense talent of the cast and crew involved, and their hard work paid off in the form of critical acclaim and commercial success. Whether you’re a fan of crime movies or comedy, Harlem Nights is sure to leave you satisfied.

The ensemble cast of iconic comedians delivers an entertaining performance in the crime-comedy film, Harlem Nights, which successfully tackles various themes of racism, inequality, and daily struggles of African Americans during the late 1930s period.

Harlem Nights is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 56 minutes. It has received poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1 and a MetaScore of 16.