Unpacking the Clever Premise of A Piece of the Action
A Piece of the Action, the 1977 crime comedy from director and star Sidney Poitier, drops audiences right into a delightfully delicious dilemma! The film centers on two seasoned career criminals, Manny Durrell (played by Bill Cosby) and Dave Anderson (Sidney Poitier himself), who find their lives taking an unexpected — and frankly, unwanted — turn towards the straight and narrow. Their reluctant guide? Joshua Burke, a retired but formidable police officer portrayed by the incomparable James Earl Jones. Burke, having spent years trying and failing to bring the duo to justice, now employs a rather unorthodox method: blackmail. He knows enough about their shady past to force them into a peculiar form of community service: mentoring a group of juvenile delinquents. The catch? Manny and Dave, despite their street smarts, are utterly out of their depth when it comes to guiding impressionable youth, leading to a series of comedic and surprisingly heartfelt misadventures. It’s a setup ripe for both laughs and genuine character development, as these two con artists are forced to confront their own moral compass, or lack thereof.
Behind the Scenes: The Poitier-Cosby Trilogy and A Piece of the Action's Legacy
A Piece of the Action marks a significant chapter in the careers of its legendary stars, Sidney Poitier and Bill Cosby. Released in 1977 by First Artists, Verdon Productions Limited, and Warner Bros. Pictures, it wasn't just another film; it was the third and final installment in what's often considered an unofficial trilogy starring Poitier and Cosby. Their previous collaborations, Uptown Saturday Night (1974) and Let's Do It Again (1975), had already established their undeniable on-screen chemistry, even if they played different characters in each outing. This film, however, held a particular weight for Poitier. After directing and starring in A Piece of the Action, he wouldn't take on another acting role for over a decade, choosing instead to focus his formidable talents entirely behind the camera. It’s a pivotal moment in his career, showcasing his capabilities not only as a performer but as a storyteller shaping the narrative from the director’s chair.
The film, running a generous 135 minutes, gives its acclaimed cast ample room to breathe and develop their characters. While the IMDb rating sits at 5.8/10, reflecting a mixed reception from some viewers, it's essential to remember the film's cultural context and its place in Black cinema. James Earl Jones, as the cunning Joshua Burke, provides a strong, authoritative foil to Poitier and Cosby's roguish charm. Honestly, his presence alone elevates the material. The blend of comedy and crime here isn't just about getting laughs; it's about exploring themes of responsibility and redemption through the lens of two very unlikely heroes. For those eager to dive into this classic, Movie OTT is your go-to source for tracking its availability across various platforms, ensuring you don't miss out on cinematic history.
The Enduring Appeal and Stellar Performances in A Piece of the Action
What truly makes A Piece of the Action resonate with viewers, despite its modest IMDb rating, is the sheer magnetic force of its lead performances and its surprisingly nuanced exploration of morality. Sidney Poitier, pulling double duty as director and star, crafts a narrative that's both genuinely funny and thought-provoking. He and Bill Cosby have this effortless comedic timing, a rhythm developed over three films, that allows their characters, Manny and Dave, to feel like real, flawed individuals rather than caricatures. There's a moment, early on, where Manny and Dave — still wrestling with the sheer audacity of Burke's proposition — try to outmaneuver him with their usual street smarts, only to find the retired cop is always three steps ahead. That look on Bill Cosby's face, a mix of exasperation and grudging respect, really sells the dynamic.
James Earl Jones, as Joshua Burke, isn't just a stern authority figure; he's a master manipulator, using his knowledge of the duo's past to force them into a path of righteousness. It's a testament to his performance that you simultaneously root for his scheme to succeed and feel a pang of sympathy for Manny and Dave's predicament. I'm not sure why the IMDb rating sits
