Harlem Nights

In 1918 Harlem, Sugar Ray Raymond, played by Richard Pryor, runs a lively backroom saloon. One fateful night, a desperate gambler threatens violence during a craps game, leading to unexpected chaos.

Amidst the turmoil, a young boy named Dezi Arnez Hines II astounds everyone by shooting the gambler dead. Sugar Ray, recognizing the boy's orphan status, decides to take him under his wing, marking the beginning of a unique relationship.

Fast-forward twenty years to 1938, Sugar Ray's establishment has transformed into the bustling Club Sugar Ray's. The young boy, now known as 'Quick' and played by Eddie Murphy, becomes Ray's right-hand man and confidant.

During a lively night at the club, gangster Tommy Smalls enters with the mesmerizing Dominique La Rue. Sugar Ray immediately recognizes Smalls and warns Quick of Dominique's potentially dangerous association with the rival gangster Bugsy Calhoune.

Realizing that Club Sugar Ray's is thriving with weekly earnings between $10,000 to $15,000, Bugsy Calhoune devises a plan to undermine Sugar Ray's success. He recruits the corrupt policeman, Sgt. Phil Cantone, to intimidate Ray.

One evening, Vera Walker, the club's formidable madam, drops only $200 in profit, raising Quick's suspicions. Challenging her leads to an embarrassing fistfight, where Quick resorts to using a trash can lid after being bested.

Ray encounters Sgt. Cantone in a tense standoff, feigning ignorance about being the owner of Club Sugar Ray's. This encounter deepens the tensions as Ray warns Quick of the imminent threat posed by Calhoune.

Quick receives an intriguing telegram from Dominique, expressing her interest in him. This unexpected communication raises Ray's concerns about Dominique's intentions, further complicating their relationship.

Quick's world turns upside down when he discovers the shocking murder of Tommy Smalls. This event fuels his resolve to seek justice and retaliate against the criminal forces at play.

To avenge Smalls, Ray concocts a bold plan to rob Bugsy Calhoune during an upcoming boxing match. The plan also involves manipulating the betting odds to ensure their success.

During a dangerous confrontation with Calhoune, Quick narrowly escapes an attack from Smalls' vengeful crew. The encounter hardens his resolve to outsmart his enemies and navigate the treacherous world of crime.

In a shocking twist, Quick learns of Dominique's betrayal, forcing him to reevaluate his trust in those close to him. A fierce confrontation ensues, ultimately resulting in Dominique’s demise.

With Sgt. Cantone closing in on them, Ray and Quick decide to go underground, plotting their big heist while avoiding the authorities. The atmosphere is tense, filled with uncertainty and danger.

As chaos consumes their lives, Quick's crew is swept into a series of unexpected events that culminate in a thrilling climax, including an explosive incident at Club Sugar Ray's.

With a bag full of cash, Ray and Quick make their daring escape across state lines, leaving behind the remnants of their past. Their journey reflects the harsh realities of survival in the underbelly of New York.