CAR WASH (1976)

Directed By: Michael Schultz
Written By: Joel Schumacher
Cinematography By: Frank Stanley
Editor: Christopher Holmes

Cast: Ivan Dixon, Otis Day, Pepe Serna, Antonio Fargas, George Carlin, Fraklyn Ajaye, Bill Duke, Garett Morris, Melanie Mayron


This film is like a time capsule. Even though the cover art would have you believe Richard Pryor stars in the film. He actually has only a one scene cameo, But he is so good and memorable it will be one of the most meorable one's you have from this film.

The film take splace during one day at a car wash. Where we get to know the workers and get to see the ridiculous things they have to go through on the job and the wacky customers they have to put up with. Since half the film's cast is comedians they get a chance to ab-lib their material and let their personalities flow. Each character get's a scene to really define them.

It's nice to see Bill Duke in a major role early in his career. Seeing Antonio Fargas as a Cross-Dresser shows he is a actor who never got enough credit for his versatility for various roles. Now he seems more relegated to one dimensional stereotypical characters in comedies. But in the 70's he showed he was capable of so much more. He needs a comeback.

While the jokes are funny. It's really the characters and the soundtrack that stay with you and bring the most enjoyment from the film. The hooker who uses the bathroom like her closet and office. George Carlin as a cab driverlooking for the guy who ran out on his fare. The ex-con millintant black revolutionary. The boss who is married and having an affair with his secretary. The white hippie who tries to fit in with his mostly black co-workers.

It's just a fun film not that much substance. It feels counter revolutionary. It doesn't feel manufactured. It feels organic. The characters feel real to a point. It feels like the cast are actually having fun and enjoying themselves.

Sure it seems like the roles are cliche and stereotypes, but the more you watch and get to know the characters you see they are individuals and worthy of getting to know. I mean Antonio Fargas playing the crossdresser was revolutionary at the time in a role that couldhave easily fallen into caricature. He Plays the role with gravity and flair.

The film doesn't have a pretense about it. it is purely there to entertain not send a message.

A Good Rental


Grade: C+