IMDb RATING
6.1/10
26K
YOUR RATING
During the 1930s, a New York City illegal gambling house owner and his associates must deal with strong competition, gangsters, and corrupt cops in order to stay in business.During the 1930s, a New York City illegal gambling house owner and his associates must deal with strong competition, gangsters, and corrupt cops in order to stay in business.During the 1930s, a New York City illegal gambling house owner and his associates must deal with strong competition, gangsters, and corrupt cops in order to stay in business.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 2 wins & 2 nominations total
Thomas Mikal Ford
- Tommy Smalls
- (as Tommy Ford)
Uncle Ray Murphy
- Willie
- (as Uncle Ray)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
Some might think that this effort from Eddie Murphy (who wrote, directed, executive produced and starred in) might not be up to his and the co-stars efforts. They might be a little right, but it isn't a waste to say the least. The talent is still vibrant even with a not too great script from Murphy including him, Richard Pryor (who gives his best, most recent performance to date), Redd Foxx (one of his last) and Danny Aiello. So sure it may be profane with a story that isn't too credible, but that's fine. Not great, but in truth, not to be missed either. B-
I found this movie to be very enjoyable. I do have to say there was a lot of profane language but that was probably why it was made for adults. I would recommend this movie to the comedy lovers,(that don't mind the language), and give it a solid 7. If you give the movie a chance you will probably like it...
This is one of Murphy's best works. Ignore what the critics say. They just didn't get it. I am a mid-aged white woman - and even I get it. It is a misogynistic as any stylized Western you may have seen. And the language is just what you would expect from Murphy and Pryor. This is stylized Harlem, guys.
I do not think Murphy set out to break ground plot-wise. Its meant to be a very traditional good vs. bad mobster movie. In this rare case we get to see the other side of tracks version. Why not??
This movie is a rare joining of a classic team of talents including Richard Pryor, Della Reese and Red Foxx. Della was my favorite and her rapport with Foxx is classic.
I do not think Murphy set out to break ground plot-wise. Its meant to be a very traditional good vs. bad mobster movie. In this rare case we get to see the other side of tracks version. Why not??
This movie is a rare joining of a classic team of talents including Richard Pryor, Della Reese and Red Foxx. Della was my favorite and her rapport with Foxx is classic.
A lot of people have commented on the violence and profanities in this movie. I guess it could have gotten by without so many foul words. But this movie is still funny! The most hilarious scenes are Eddie Murphy's fistfight with Della Reese, and his shootout with Arsenio Hall. Say what you will about Eddie Murphy, but he can still crack you up!
Three of the greatest (and dirtiest) comedians ever together in this one movie. Funny, hilarious, yes at bit off color with the many uses of the f word but still a great movie with a nice sting at the end. Get over the F word! If you haven't seen this movie in a while, go back and watch it. The first time I watched it, I was lukewarm about it. Now I go back and watch it, grateful that it was made especially since the passing of Richard Pryor (and Redd Foxx).
If you haven't heard any of their stand up, go listen. It's awesome. Richard Pryor is the best.
My only complaint is that Arsenio Hall's character was stupid.
If you haven't heard any of their stand up, go listen. It's awesome. Richard Pryor is the best.
My only complaint is that Arsenio Hall's character was stupid.
Did you know
- TriviaEddie Murphy once said that the jokes and camaraderie between him, Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx, Robin Harris, and Della Reese behind the scenes were much funnier than anything that was in the film.
- GoofsA double yellow line dividing the road can be seen when Quick is being chased down the highway by Tommy Small's brother. Center lines in 1938 were painted white. Double yellow lines were not used on US Highways until 1971.
- Quotes
Richie Vento: Yeah, get me Hollycourt 55377. Hello, it's Daddy. Hey, darling. Put Mommy on the phone. Yeah, Barbara, it's Richie. Yeah lookit, I ain't never coming home no more. Take it easy.
- ConnectionsEdited into Public Enemies (1996)
- SoundtracksBlack Beauty
Written by Duke Ellington
- How long is Harlem Nights?Powered by Alexa
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Noches de Harlem
- Filming locations
- Rex restaurant, Los Angeles, California, USA(Calhoune's on the Park restaurant scenes)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $30,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $60,864,870
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $16,096,808
- Nov 19, 1989
- Gross worldwide
- $60,864,870
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