Richard Pryor Welcomes You To The Car Wash!
One of our greatest Comedians of all time, Richard Pryor had a long career in film and TV, including memorable appearances in cult comedies…more on that in a moment, but first, time for a car wash:
A Car Wash As A Work Of Art!
With the pandemic now a part of our lives for a year, I have been going to a drive-through car wash: no attendants, just a short drive into a shed where massive amounts of soapy water are sprayed on me for 30 seconds…and I noticed that the process of getting a car wash was also creating mini-works of art:
Yes, I decided to capture some of what makes this kind of car wash unique: like the fact that my car’s warning buzzers don’t realize I’m not being assaulted!
Here is what happens when your car thinks it is being attacked – enjoy the video:
Of course, I just assumed it would go off – the car is in neutral, I’m not moving…right?
Here is the next part of my trip through the car wash as well – cover your ears:
I still haven’t figured out what to do to stop that, but it also reminds me that someone cares for me, even if its just my car!
Oh, and speaking of car washes:
“Working At The Car Wash!”
Yes, it’s a song you can never get out of your head!
“Car Wash” is the title song from the freeform 1976 comedy that captures the daily life of car-wash employees, chronicling their hopes, fears, joys, dreams, and tribulations, all while meeting some eccentric customers along the way.
Rose Royce sang the theme song, with it’s catchy hook and clever lines:
“At the car wash
Workin’ at the car wash, girl
Come on and sing it with me
(Car wash)
Sing it with the feelin’ y’all
(Car wash, yeah)”
Richard Pryor Visits The Car Wash!
As I said, Pryor was a huge movie star, but he also showed up in ensemble films like this one!
It turns out, “Reverend Ike” was a real-life preacher and inspiration for the “Daddy Rich” character. They actually tried to get Reverend Ike to play himself in the film, but he wasn’t available. Insert Richard Pryor, who filmed his hilarious role in two days!
Here now is that terrific theme song over the opening credits of the film:
The movie’s title song, “Car Wash”, was a #1 chart-topping hit for Rose Royce, and was one of the biggest-selling singles of the 1970s disco music era!
As for Richard Pryor, he became the greatest Standup Comedian of all time:
He was an acclaimed Actor as well, but he had his demons, and a brilliant documentary tells his whole story – you can find out more by clicking on my link here:
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Categories: 70's Cinema, 70's Music, Art, Cult Movies, Great Films, Hollywood, Memoirs, Movies, Music, Obscure Movies, Obscure Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities
johnrieber 
I loved Car Wash as a kid. It’s kinda plotless, so it was easy to watch. And it has Pryor! Anyhow, not sure why, but it seems that most great comedians have demons. I guess the “sad-clown-paradox” is a real thing.
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That’s exactly right: the day in the life of a car wash…just a series of funny bits and cameos…easy to watch and chuckle a bit – and yes, PRYOR! Thanks for commenting!
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I recall the movie, but I don’t remember it that fondly. Richard Pryor, on the other hand, was a comedic genius. Like many comedians, I remember him being an uncomfortable interview. As you said, he did battle his demons.
I’m reminded of another troubled comedian, Robin Williams, who was equally brilliant. My wife was born and raised in the Napa Valley (Sonoma) and occasionally saw Robin Williams around town.
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Thanks for commenting! Here is what I posted about my interaction with Williams – a beautiful soul: https://johnrieber.com/2014/08/12/rip-robin-williams-class-act-a-cannes-encounter/
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I appreciate the link, John. I’m a big fan of celebrities that are humble and give back to their communities.
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Entertaining post, John…I used to love going through the carwash as a child ..not all mine did though ..now I am humming carwash in my head…
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Carol, for me the funniest part is when my car crash warning goes off for the entirety of the wash! Thanks as always for commenting!
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It must be… I always have fun reading your posts you never fail to teach me something and make smile which is bonus and keeps coming back for more…Have a great week 🙂 x
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Thanks for reading and commenting!
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See, art is everywhere, even in the car wash! Richard Pryor was an icon in comedy!
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Thanks for the comment! I loved the look of it more than the sound!
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Haha! I love people who see art. 🙂
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that was such a fun movie and i love your personal car wash experience )
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I do love that film!
You must have a very swish car, John. A warning buzzer for being attacked? I would have to take that into the dealer and have it deactivated.
(My car hasn’t been washed since September 2020. I let the rain do the work now. 🙂 )
Best wishes, Pete.
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When I was a little girl, I loved going to the carwash. I thought it was a lot of fun. My younger son, on the other hand, hated the carwash and wouldn’t go through the carwash.
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fun post
and richard pryor is an all time great
– our local car wash shit down – think they wet out of business from
the pandemic
– and such unique car wash art !
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