Bustin' Loose (1981)
Richard Pryor and Cicely Tyson light up the screen in this warm, funny road-trip comedy-drama about second chances and unlikely family.
Bustin' Loose - Movie Information
- Release Year: 1981
- Directed by: Oz Scott, Michael Schultz
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy, Drama
- Age Rating (US): R
- Runtime: 1h 34m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): May 22, 1981 (United States - R)
- Production Companies: Universal Pictures, Richard Pryor Productions
- Production Countries: United States of America
Bustin' Loose - Plot
After ex-con Joe Braxton violates his probation, he is given a second chance. All he has to do is drive a group of special kids across the country.
Bustin' Loose - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the road trip comedy unfold:
He's mad. He's bad. And he's Bustin' Loose.
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Bustin' Loose - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Oz Scott
- Michael Schultz
Main Cast
- Richard Pryor
- Cicely Tyson
- Angel Ramirez Jr.
- Jimmy Hughes
- Edwin DeLeon
- Edwin Kinter
- Tami Luchow
- Janet Wong
- Alphonso Alexander
- Kia Cooper
Writers
- Richard Pryor
- Roger L. Simon
Producers
- Michael S. Glick
- Richard Pryor
Bustin' Loose - FAQs
Where can you stream or watch Bustin' Loose?
Bustin' Loose is available to rent or buy on several digital platforms, including Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not currently available on a major subscription streaming service, so a rental or purchase is the easiest way to watch it.
What is Bustin' Loose about?
Bustin' Loose follows Joe Braxton, a small-time ex-con who, to avoid prison, agrees to drive a teacher and her group of eight special-needs children from Philadelphia to a farm in Washington State. The cross-country road trip becomes a journey of unexpected bonds, humor, and personal growth for everyone involved.
Did Richard Pryor write Bustin' Loose?
Yes. Richard Pryor co-wrote the screenplay for Bustin' Loose alongside Roger L. Simon. Pryor also served as a producer on the film through his own production company, Richard Pryor Productions, giving him significant creative control over the project from script to screen.
Who are the main actors in Bustin' Loose?
Bustin' Loose stars Richard Pryor as ex-con Joe Braxton and Cicely Tyson as schoolteacher Vivian Perry. The supporting cast includes Angel Ramirez Jr., Jimmy Hughes, Edwin DeLeon, Edwin Kinter, Tami Luchow, Janet Wong, Alphonso Alexander, and Kia Cooper as the children in Vivian's care.
What is the age rating for Bustin' Loose?
Bustin' Loose is rated R by the MPA. The rating reflects the film's adult language and some mature content, largely stemming from Richard Pryor's characteristically sharp comedic style. Parents should be aware of this rating before watching the film with younger audiences.
Who directed Bustin' Loose?
Bustin' Loose was directed by Oz Scott and Michael Schultz. Michael Schultz was a prominent African-American filmmaker known for Car Wash (1976) and Which Way Is Up? (1977), while Oz Scott was making his feature film directorial debut after a successful career in theater.
How long is Bustin' Loose?
Bustin' Loose has a runtime of 94 minutes, or approximately 1 hour and 34 minutes. The film's brisk pace keeps the cross-country road trip moving at an entertaining clip, balancing comedic set pieces with quieter, more emotionally resonant moments between the characters.
How was Bustin' Loose received by critics and audiences?
Bustin' Loose received a warm reception upon release, with audiences responding enthusiastically to the chemistry between Richard Pryor and Cicely Tyson. The film was a solid box office success, earning over $31 million against an $11 million budget, and is remembered fondly as one of Pryor's more accessible and heartfelt screen performances.
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