Petey Wheatstraw

Petey Wheatstraw is a 1977 blaxploitation horror-comedy film that stars the legendary Rudy Ray Moore as the titular character. The film follows the story of a stand-up comedian and his struggle with evil forces. However, he is not an ordinary comedian, as he is known for his controversial and nihilistic jokes that have made him one of the most popular entertainers in town. As the movie starts, we see Petey Wheatstraw at the height of his popularity, enjoying the fruits of his success. But, as we soon find out, he has a dark past that is about to catch up with him.

The plot of the movie revolves around Petey's deal with the devil. He made a pact with Lucifer to escape a difficult childhood and gain fame and fortune. Now, Petey has realized that he has to pay the price for his decision, and the devil has come to collect. However, Petey is not ready to give up his life just yet, and he makes a counter-offer. He challenges the devil to a bet – if he can defeat the devil's three deadliest minions, he would be granted six new powers that he can use to defeat the devil himself.

The story then takes a twist as Petey dies in a car crash and is resurrected as a robot. The rest of the movie follows his journey as he fights against the devil's minions and tries to redeem himself in the eyes of God. Along the way, Petey discovers that he has a daughter, who he never knew about, and he is forced to confront the truth about his past.

The movie's genre is comedy-horror, and it does not disappoint in either aspect. The humor is crude and politically incorrect, which might offend some viewers, but it is what made Rudy Ray Moore such a popular entertainer in the 1970s. The horror elements are equally over-the-top, with cartoonishly grotesque monsters that are a delight to watch.

The movie's standout feature is Rudy Ray Moore's performance, who is at his magnetic best in the role of Petey Wheatstraw. He is charismatic, funny, and effortlessly cool, and he carries the movie on his broad shoulders. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with Jimmy Lynch as Petey's best friend and Leroy Daniels as the menacing Lucifer.

The film's direction and production values are nothing to write home about, but that is to be expected from a low-budget blaxploitation film made in the 1970s. However, what it lacks in technical finesse, it makes up for in sheer entertainment value. The film is filled with memorable quotes, iconic scenes, and some truly bizarre moments that make it a one-of-a-kind experience.

Overall, Petey Wheatstraw is a cult classic that has aged surprisingly well. It is a must-watch for fans of blaxploitation cinema, horror-comedies, or Rudy Ray Moore's unique brand of entertainment. Despite its flaws, the movie is a testament to the power of charisma and personality, and it remains a beloved film to this day.