Watch Uptown Saturday Night

Uptown Saturday Night is a 1974 American comedy film directed by Sidney Poitier, starring himself, Bill Cosby, and Harry Belafonte. The film follows the story of two friends, Steve Jackson (played by Sidney Poitier) and Wardell Franklin (played by Bill Cosby) who are tired of their mundane lives and decide to visit an illegal nightclub in uptown New York called Madame Zenobia's. However, their night takes an unexpected turn when they become the victims of a robbery and lose a winning lottery ticket worth $50,000.

The two friends must then go on a wild journey to retrieve the ticket, encountering a number of outrageous characters along the way. Their adventure leads them to the depths of the criminal underworld, including meeting with a gangster named Geechie (played by Harry Belafonte). The story takes comedic twists and turns as the friends navigate through their predicament.

One of the standout performances of the film is Sidney Poitier's portrayal of Steve Jackson, the more reserved of the two friends. Poitier brings a quiet charm and wit to the character that contrasts perfectly with Bill Cosby's more energetic and boisterous portrayal of Wardell Franklin. The film's comedy is at times slapstick, such as when the friends attempt to disguise themselves to enter Madame Zenobia's, and at others, dry and clever.

The film's portrayal of Harlem and New York's African American community in the 1970s is also noteworthy. The film provides a glimpse into the fashion, music, and language of the era, as well as the cultural issues facing the community such as poverty and crime. These issues are portrayed with sensitivity and humor, highlighting the resilience and spirit of the community.

In addition to the strong performances of the three main actors, the film also features an exceptional supporting cast, including iconic comedian Richard Pryor, who adds another layer of hilarity to the film. The music in the film, scored by legendary composer Marvin Hamlisch, is also notable, featuring a catchy and upbeat soundtrack that perfectly captures the film's fun and playful tone.

Uptown Saturday Night was a box office success, grossing over $10 million and spawning two sequels: Let's Do It Again, released in 1975, and A Piece of the Action, released in 1977. The film remains a classic of African American cinema, providing a blend of comedy, action, and social commentary that is still relevant and entertaining to this day.

In conclusion, Uptown Saturday Night is a timeless classic that perfectly captures the wit, charm, and charisma of its three main actors. It's a funny, clever, and entertaining film that explores the cultural issues of its time with sensitivity and humor. If you're a fan of classic comedy or African American cinema, Uptown Saturday Night is a must-see.

Uptown Saturday Night is a 1974 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.