The short lived on TV 'The Richard Pryor Show' The greatest stand up comedian of all time, Richard Pryor actually had a TV show on NBC in the US in the late 1970's. It does seem somewhat amazing that this trailblazing, extremely gifted actor/funnyman was allowed into mainstream American homes during prime time. After all, this was the period when his humour knew no bounds and politically correct wasn't even a term. Pryor went straight for the jugular in terms of getting a laugh, and if that meant brutal honesty, all the better. Nothing or no one was out of his sight range, black people, white people, uptight folks, liberals, and of course, himself, especially himself. Everything was up for grabs and in his own way he would put a spotlight on the numerous injustices bestowed on the poor and the minorities struggling to survive in the richest country in the world. However, his popularity was so huge, stretching right across the board, that it was deemed appropriate to give Pryor a TV special, which eventually would be turned into a variety TV series.
'The Richard Pryor Show' would be a short lived affair, running for only 4 episodes. Pryor wanted (and expected) complete creative control of his own show, but unfortunately that was not to be. His variety show truly was ground breaking in television, using comedy sketches, song and dance and monlogues to show front and centre to the TV audience the plight of the underdog, and some of the subject matter, especially to do with sex, was felt far too risque for the network, and so feeling shackled by their restraints, Pryor walked away from the program, with his respect in tact. The 4 shows are now on US DVD and are well worth owning. Some fantastic moments can be found. For instance, this amazing sketch featuring Maya Angelou. It begins with Pryor as Willie the drunk guy in a bar (Watch out for the late John Belushi as the bartender), then the scene changes to Willie getting home to his wife, played by Maya Angelou, and passing out. After a comical start, the scene suddenly becomes real and sober when Maya delivers a monologue (written by herself) to her husband which is both moving and extremely profound. Ms Angelou gives emotional weight which is quite impressive. A fabulous moment with two of my idols together on screen. Savour this gem...
'The Richard Pryor Show' would be a short lived affair, running for only 4 episodes. Pryor wanted (and expected) complete creative control of his own show, but unfortunately that was not to be. His variety show truly was ground breaking in television, using comedy sketches, song and dance and monlogues to show front and centre to the TV audience the plight of the underdog, and some of the subject matter, especially to do with sex, was felt far too risque for the network, and so feeling shackled by their restraints, Pryor walked away from the program, with his respect in tact. The 4 shows are now on US DVD and are well worth owning. Some fantastic moments can be found. For instance, this amazing sketch featuring Maya Angelou. It begins with Pryor as Willie the drunk guy in a bar (Watch out for the late John Belushi as the bartender), then the scene changes to Willie getting home to his wife, played by Maya Angelou, and passing out. After a comical start, the scene suddenly becomes real and sober when Maya delivers a monologue (written by herself) to her husband which is both moving and extremely profound. Ms Angelou gives emotional weight which is quite impressive. A fabulous moment with two of my idols together on screen. Savour this gem...
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