Which Way is Up? is a 1977 American comedy film starring Richard Pryor and directed by Michael Schultz. It is an American version of the 1972 Italian comedy film The Seduction of Mimi. Richard Pryor plays three roles: an orange picker who has two women at the same time, the orange picker's father, and a reverend who gets the orange picker's wife pregnant.
Contents
Plot
When he falls into a union action by mistake, Leroy Jones is forced out of town. The only option given to Leroy was a one way bus ticket to Los Angeles, where more jobs are available. While he is away, Leroy becomes smitten with Vanetta, a beautiful labor activist. When he returns home, he has to juggle his wife, his new romance with Vanetta, and his new job. Meanwhile, the Reverend Lenox Thomas takes advantage of Leroy's absence to cavort with Annie Mae, leading Leroy to take revenge with the reverend's wife.
Cast
Richard Pryor as Leroy Jones / Rufus Jones / Reverend Lenox Thomas
Lonette McKee as Vanetta
Margaret Avery as Annie Mae
Morgan Woodward as Mr. Mann
Marilyn Coleman as Sister Sarah
BeBe Drake-Hooks as Thelma
Gloria Edwards as Janelle
Ernesto Hernandez as Jose Reyes
Otis Day as Sugar
Morgan Roberts as Henry
Diane Rodriguez as Estrella Reyes
Dolph Sweet as The Boss
Carmen Filpi as Wino
Victor Argo as Angel
Marc Alaimo as Frankie
Timothy Thomerson as Tour Guide
Danny Valdez as Chuy Estrada
Luis Valdez as Ramon Juarez
Harry Northup as Chief Goon
Paul Mooney as Inspector
Reception
TV Guide rated Which Way Is Up? 1/5 stars and wrote that Pryor plays his character as unlikable, making the film unfunny.