Redd Foxx

Eddie Murphy, in addition to starring as Quick, the son of 1930s Harlem gambling-house proprietor Sugar Ray (Richard Pryor), also wrote and directed the film. The plotline details the combined efforts of Quick and Sugar Ray to prevent white gangster Bugsy Calhoune (Michael Lerner) from muscling in on their operation. The film's now-notorious streak of misogyny reaches a Nirvana of sorts when Quick shoots pugnacious Harlem madam Vera (Della Reese) in the foot. The talented supporting players include Redd Foxx, Danny Aiello and Jasmine Guy. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Amateur magician Grady (Whitman Mayo) attempts to perform his "famous" Chinese-wristlock trick. As a result, Fred (Redd Foxx) and Esther (LaWanda Page) end up handcuffed together. With Grady unable to decipher the trick's instructions (they're written in Chinese of course), Fred is forced to literally drag Esther along when he goes out on a date. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

As a surprise for Fred (Redd Foxx), who is about to celebrate his 40th year in the business, Lamont (Demond Wilson) and Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page) arrange to upholster all his furniture. This of course requires the removal of the furniture without informing Fred. Upon returning to an empty living room, Fred assumes he's been robbed and summons the police -- and his insurance company. Evidently slated to air on December 10, 1976, as the 122nd episode of Sanford and Son, this installment was moved up to January 7, 1977. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Having already announced their engagement, Lionel (Demond Wilson) and Janet (Marlene Clark) eagerly make plans for their wedding. Then, out of nowhere, Janet's ex-husband John (James A. Watson Jr.) appears. From all outward appearances, John wants to kiss and make up with Janet -- but it turns out that he may have a hidden agenda. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

As a result of "waxy buildup," Fred (Redd Foxx) temporarily loses his hearing. After visiting the doctor, a cured Fred suddenly realizes that his ailment had earned him the undivided attention of his girlfriend Donna (Lynn Hamilton). Thus, Fred plays up his "deafness" to the hilt -- at least until his son Lamont (Demond Wilson) turns the tables on him. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

It is nothing new when Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page) clobbers Fred (Redd Foxx) with her purse. This time, however, the "weapon" is a bit heavier, thanks to Esther's new silver-plated Bible. Convinced he has been dealt a fatal blow, Fred gathers his family and friends together, intending to divulge the contents of his will. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Evidently inspired by the TV miniseries Roots, Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) is convinced that he is a descendant of none other than King Solomon. And how did this "revelation" come about? Well, it seems that Fred shelled out big money (a whole 25 dollars) to a family-tracing service -- who told him that he is the ancestor of a famous Jewish historical figure. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Marlene Clark makes her first series appearance as Janet Lawson, the new woman in the life of Lamont Sanford (Demond Wilson). Nervous around Janet, Lamont's dad Fred (Redd Foxx) wants to know more about the woman's mysterious past. This leads into a lengthy spoof of Columbo, with Fred making like the rumpled, raincoated TV detective -- and with Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page) as his unlikely "girl Friday." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

After wife Beatrice (Pearl Bailey) runs off to Mexico, a despondent Ben Chambers (Redd Foxx) travels to California to visit his son, Norman (Michael Warren). To Ben's dismay, Norman admits that he's gay -- and that his lover is a white man. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide

Hoping to "bond" with son Lamont (Demond Wilson) before his marriage, Fred (Redd Foxx) talks Lamont into embarking upon a camping trip. Things go from bad to worse as the truck breaks down in the tall timbers, and Fred and Lamont are stranded, without food, in a snowstorm. Although not readily apparent, this is a "clip" show, comprised of flashbacks to earlier episodes. "Camping Trip" was the final installment of Sanford and Son's fifth season. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) doesn't know it at first, but his new "lady love," Miss Wallace, is actually a male criminal in drag. Even worse, the cross-dressing crook is on the lam from the law, with the neighborhood cops hot on a trail that leads directly to Fred's doorstep. Upon learning the truth, Fred cooks up a scheme to claim the reward money for himself -- a scheme that requires him to "play along" with the phony female. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Eric Laneuville makes his first appearance as Daniel, newly adopted son of Aunt Esther (LaWanda Page). Upon learning that Daniel is an atheist, the pious Esther throws him out of the house. It is up to Fred (Redd Foxx) and Lamont (Demond Wilson) to convince Esther that Daniel's lack of faith is due to a lifetime of hard knocks. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide