Watch Phunny Business: A Black Comedy

Phunny Business: A Black Comedy is a documentary that explores the rise of comedy clubs on the South Side of Chicago, which became a platform for African American comics in the 1980s and 1990s. Featuring interviews with key figures in the comedy scene, the film offers an intimate look at the personalities and politics that shaped this cultural phenomenon.

The documentary is narrated by actor and comedian D.L. Hughley, who himself got his start at the clubs in Chicago. The film begins by tracing the history of African American comedy, from the early days of vaudeville to the emergence of Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor in the 1970s. It then focuses on Chicago, where several small clubs started to open up in the 1980s.

The most famous of these clubs was All Jokes Aside, which became a cultural center for African American artists and intellectuals. Started by entrepreneur Raymond Lambert, the club attracted some of the biggest names in comedy, including Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, and Bernie Mac. The film includes interviews with many of the people who worked at the club, including the bartenders, waitresses, and bouncers. They describe the club as a family, where everyone looked out for each other.

The film also addresses some of the political and social issues that affected the comedy scene in Chicago. For example, many of the comedians faced discrimination when they tried to perform at mainstream clubs on the North Side. They were often told that their material wasn't appropriate for a mixed audience. Some of the comedians even faced violence and intimidation from white audiences.

At the same time, the comedians themselves had to navigate their own rivalries and conflicts. The film explores the relationships between different comics, as well as their personal lives and struggles. For example, Bernie Mac, who started out as a janitor at All Jokes Aside, talks openly about his drug addiction and how it affected his career.

Overall, the documentary paints a vivid picture of a vibrant and complex comedy scene, which had a profound influence on American culture. The interviews are engaging and illuminating, and the archival footage of the comedians in action is both hilarious and insightful. Whether you're a fan of stand-up comedy or just interested in African American history, Phunny Business: A Black Comedy is definitely worth checking out.

Phunny Business: A Black Comedy is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 21 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.