Eddie Murphy, in addition to starring as Quick, the son of 1930s Harlem gambling-house proprietor Sugar Ray (
Richard Pryor), also wrote and directed the film. The plotline details the combined efforts of Quick and Sugar Ray to prevent white gangster Bugsy Calhoune (
Michael Lerner) from muscling in on their operation. The film's now-notorious streak of misogyny reaches a Nirvana of sorts when Quick shoots pugnacious Harlem madam Vera (
Della Reese) in the foot. The talented supporting players include
Redd Foxx,
Danny Aiello and
Jasmine Guy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide