Dap Sugar Willie Movies
- 1983
George (Sherman Hemsley) and his poker buddies leave their usual weekly mess behind, resulting in a few sharp words from George's long-suffering housekeeper, Florence (Marla Gibbs). Fed up with her complaining, George bets Florence a week's vacation (with pay) that he can get her full day's cleaning done in three hours. Perhaps George should have watched all those old two-reel comedies in which Andy Clyde and Hugh Herbert made similar bets -- with similarly disastrous results. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sherman Hemsley, Isabel Sanford, (more)
- 1981
- PG
This tuneful drama features the rock group Love Machine as it tells the tale of a record promoter hired by a crooked producer to fulfill affirmative action quotas. It is the hard-working, independent-minded promoter who discovers and develops the Love Machine, an all female group. The trouble begins when the group's lead singer is kidnapped and the promoter learns that his employer's label is really a front for the mob. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- John R. Daniels, Gwen Brisco, (more)
- 1979
In the conclusion of a two-part story, it takes a near-tragedy for Florida (Esther Rolle) to convince the mother of Larry Baker (Derek Wells) that her son is suffering from a hearing loss. Unable to accompany Larry to the local clinic for a check-up, Mrs. Baker (Bebe Drake) prevails upon Florida to do so. Unfortunately, Larry takes his mom's absence as "proof" that she doesn't care about him -- so he begins making plans to run away from home. (Jimmie Walker [J.J.] does not appear in this episode). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1978
Playing the role of his siblings' surrogate father to the hilt, J.J. (Jimmie Walker) blows his top when brother Michael (Ralph Carter) rebelliously refuses to do his homework. Sister Thelma (BernNadette Stanis) advises J.J. to cool it, assuming that Michael is only going through one of those "stages." But even Thelma changes her tune when both Michael and Penny (Janet Jackson) are arrested for riding in a stolen car. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
Just before purchasing a Christmas present for her foster mother, Willona (Ja'net DuBois), Penny (Janet Jackson) is robbed of her wallet. Desperate to get Willona a gift, Penny resorts to shoplifting -- and ends up in police custody. Will this unpleasant episode lead to Willona losing her opportunity to legally adopt Penny? ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
In the first episode of a two-part story, Carl (Moses Gunn) ecstatically informs the Evans kids that he intends to propose marriage to their mother, Florida (Esther Rolle). But when the intended big moment arrives, Carl is nowhere to be found. His reason for canceling his wedding plans doesn't quite ring true to the Evans family -- and indeed, Carl is hiding a rather disturbing secret. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
After catching a shoplifter, Willona (Ja'net DuBois) is promoted to store detective. When she finds out that her job entails spying on shoppers from behind a two-way dressing room mirror, she balks, insisting that her strict moral values precludes invading anyone's privacy. On the other hand, Willona really needs the extra cash to finance her figure-skating lessons... ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1977
In a plot line straight out of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, neighborhood wino Fishbone (Robert Guillaume), convinced that he hasn't got a friend in the world, staggers out of the local bar and into the night. The next thing he knows, Fishbone has been relieved of his wallet by another bum -- who is promptly killed in a traffic accident. The discovery of the wallet leads the Evans family to conclude that Fishbone himself is dead, leading to an eye-opening conclusion wherein the bilious boozer attends his own wake. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1976
Feeling that the recently widowed Florida (Esther Rolle) is spending too much time home alone, the Evans kids cancel their own plans to spend the evening with their mom. Much to their surprise, however, Florida has already accepted the invitation of her friend Willona (Ja'net DuBois) for a night on the town. Upon arriving at a singles bar, Florida catches the eye of a handsome widower named Ben (Julius Harris). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1975
Forced to play host to his unemployed white brother-in-law Rodney Victor (Allan Drake), Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) is fed up with Rodney's obnoxious practical jokes. Finally deciding that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, Fred suggests that he and Rodney work up a nightclub routine. The ultimate strategy is to get Rodney to work and out of the house, but things don't quite turn out that way. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Redd Foxx, Demond Wilson, (more)
