Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin'

About This Movie

So, Richard Pryor: Live and Smokin' is this raw glimpse into Pryor's early stand-up days, shot in '71 but didn't see the light of day until '85. The atmosphere is electric, with Pryor's unfiltered style really coming through. He’s not yet the mainstream icon we know; it's more like a candid backstage pass. You get to see him experimenting with his voice and delivery, and the pacing is loose yet engaging, making it feel like you're right there in the audience with him, soaking up the vibe. It's a fascinating piece of comedy history, capturing the essence of a performer before he became a household name.

This film has an interesting release history, having been filmed in 1971 but not released until 1985 on VHS, which certainly adds to its rarity. It’s not a common find, and collectors often seek it out for its significance in Pryor's evolution as a comedian. The scarcity of the original releases makes it a talking point among collectors, as it represents a pivotal moment before he reached his fame.