Movie Description
Harlem Nights is a 1989 American crime comedy-drama film written, executive produced, and directed by Eddie Murphy. Murphy co-stars with Richard Pryor as a team running a nightclub in late-1930s Harlem while contending with gangsters and corrupt police officials. The film also features Michael Lerner, Danny Aiello, Redd Foxx (in his last film before his death in 1991), Della Reese, and Murphy's brother Charlie. The film was released on November 17, 1989 by Paramount Pictures.
Harlem Nights remains Murphy's only directorial effort. He had always wanted to direct and star in a period piece, as well as work with Pryor, whom he considered his greatest influence in stand-up comedy. Reviews of the film were generally negative, criticizing the film's slow pacing and relative lack of comedy. Nonetheless, the film was a financial success, grossing $95 million against a $30 million budget. It has since been regarded as a cult classic.