Greased Lightning (1977 US) Richard Pryor stars as Wendell Scott, the first black Nascar winner. Technically this was billed as comedy , being a Richard Pryor film and all. Director Michael Schultz boasted that he kept Pryor under wraps so he didn’t go too nuts. Apparently, Pryor was O.K. with Schultz because they did several films together. Shultz has been working in the business for a long time and was quite formative in the careers of many black actors. One of the films Schultz made with Pryor was the cult classic Car Wash which put a lot of people including Shultz on the map. Schultz moved into the TV world later on where he is still directing.
You will find that the humor is there in this film but more understated than what you may be used to from a Pryor film. This also goes back this weeks theme of coming home from WWII. Unlike other soldiers Scott found that nothing changed. What I loved about it is the chase scenes at the beginning when Scott was a bootlegger. Great stunt work and camera work. Pan Grier who is also a bit understated stars as Pryors wife. Even understated Grier is awesome. Consider this film more drama than comedy and its very good. I could not find it on any streaming platforms except STARZ, and for rent.