"This was my introduction to Richard Pryor; not the comedian that he was renowned for but as a hacked off car factory worker who decides along with friends Yaphet Kotto and Harvey Keitel to steal some of the company’s money.

"The trio of actors perfectly encapsulated the tough, raw, edgy environment of factory conditions and life as pawns in the management and unions game. In fact so perfectly did they do this that they helped writer/director Paul Schrader along with a nervous breakdown. Outstanding performances in an outstanding - if overlooked - film.”

- Mark Cosgrove, Watershed Cinema Curator

Richard Pryor is a revelation in a rare dramatic performance as a rabble-rousing union man in Paul Schrader's sharp, insightful look at class, race and male camaraderie in 1970s Detroit.

Zeke (Pryor), Jerry (Harvey Keitel) and Smokey (Yaphet Kotto) are close friends who work in a car factory in Detroit. One day they figure their union does them no more favours then their bosses, so decide to pull a clumsy robbery at the union HQ. When they discover documents that point to union links with organised crime, they find they are quickly out of their league: violence, paranoia, rivalry and recrimination erupt around them.

Presented by Come the Revolution in partnership with Ujima Radio as part of

These events are supported by Film Hub South West & West Midlands, part of the Film Audience Network, awarding funds from the National Lottery.

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