Williams had theClark Gable-like heartthrob status that attracted female fans.
Pryor was an edgy stand-up comedian who spoke the truth about the black experience in America.
Both stars found themselves taking a unique performance turn in the 1973 thrillerHit!
Image by Nimesh Niyomal
What Is ‘Hit!’
This Sam Peckinpah crime thriller will stay with you.
Billy Dee Williams and Richard Pryor Shine in Hit!
Image via Paramount Pictures
To that end,race is not a factor in Williams performance.
The actor toldEBONI Magazinein 1974 howHit!was written with McQueen in mind and that I play a man.
The fact that Im black is never an issue.
WhileHit!surrounds Williams with a colorful cast of allies,the clear standout in the ensemble is Pryor.
Williams uncharacteristic meanness gets immediately cooled down when Pryor intervenes.
The delivery of Pryors humor could easily have been a track from one of his legendary comedy albums.
Image via Paramount Pictures
He continues to showcase his dramatic talents as he had done previously as Piano Man inLady Sings the Blues.
Especially when Williams drives Pryor to a location to confront and lash out against his wifes killer.
Despite the dramatic moments dragging the overall story,Hit!succeeds in the action suspense department.
Your Rating
Your comment has not been saved
Cast
