This laidback comedy that follows a motley group of people over a day at an L.A. car wash earned a cult reputation over the years. It may seem overly academic to talk about the film’s value as a portrayal of African-American working class, but that’s how some fans look at it. This is basically just a simple, episodic time-waster featuring a lot of undeniably amusing characters, but no one really worth caring about. Richard Pryor barely makes an appearance, but the now-classic disco soundtrack compensates.
1976-U.S. 97 min. Color. Directed byĀ Michael Schultz. Screenplay: Joel Schumacher. Songs: Norman Whitfield (“Car Wash”, performed by Rose Royce). Cast: Richard Pryor (Daddy Rich), Franklin Ajaye (T.C.), Sully Boyar (Leon Barrow), Ivan Dixon, George Carlin, Irwin Corey… The Pointer Sisters.
Cannes: Best Music.