With this directorial effort veteran actor Sidney Poitier was able to show a different side to his talent, as he's teamed with the equally legendary entertainer Bill Cosby as a pair of average working Joes who make the fateful decision to have a good time in an exclusive night club. While they're gambling downstairs, hoods barge in and rob everybody present; Poitier is relieved of his wallet, which contains a lottery ticket later revealed to be a winning one. So good buddies Steve (Poitier) and Wardell (Cosby) hit the streets determined to find somebody who can point them in the right direction, including a congressman (Roscoe Lee Browne) who's nothing but a big phony, a weaselly private detective (Richard Pryor), and a pair of feuding crime lords, Geechie Dan (Harry Belafonte, doing a hysterical parody of Marlon Brando in "The Godfather") and Silky Slim (Calvin Lockhart). What is truly irresistible is seeing Poitier show off some comedic chops, playing a guy completely out of his element. In his big standout scene, he trash talks a diminutive gangster named Little Seymour (dancer Harold Nicholas). As one can see, "Uptown Saturday Night" is an impressive assemblage of talent; also making appearances are Flip Wilson as the reverend, Rosalind Cash as Steves' loving wife, Ketty Lester as Wardells' significant other, Paula Kelly as exuberant Leggy Peggy, and Lee Chamberlin as club proprietress Madame Zenobia. Poitier and company mine every scene for as many laughs as possible; what's especially funny is seeing Belafonte in drag towards the end. (The movie does go on a little long, but the manic energy of the finale makes it all worthwhile.) This group of actors is a joy to watch, but Cosby most of all is in truly fine form. Providing effective accompaniment are Tom Scotts' perfectly funky music score and an upbeat theme song. Inevitably, there are elements, like the fashions, that date the movie, but they do have a definite fascination going for them. Overall, this is likable stuff that never gets too unpleasant. Followed by two subsequent Poitier / Cosby teamings, "Let's Do It Again" and "A Piece of the Action". Seven out of 10.
Review of Uptown Saturday Night
