The Richard Pryor film The Toy is a 1982 American comedy directed by Richard Donner and written by Francis Veber and Carol Sobieski. The film stars Pryor as Jack Brown, a down-and-out journalist who is hired by a wealthy businessman, U.S. Bates (Jackie Gleason), to be his son Eric's (Scott Schwartz) Christmas toy for a week. Jack is initially reluctant to take the job, but he eventually agrees in exchange for a large sum of money.
Jack quickly learns that Eric is a spoiled and bratty child who enjoys tormenting him. However, Jack also begins to develop a bond with Eric, and he teaches him the importance of friendship and respect.
The Toy was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $57 million at the box office. It was praised for Pryor's performance, as well as the chemistry between Pryor and Schwartz. The film was also nominated for two Golden Globe Awards: Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical and Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical for Pryor.
Here is a brief summary of the plot of The Toy:
- Jack Brown is an unemployed journalist who is struggling to make ends meet.
- He is approached by U.S. Bates, a wealthy businessman who offers him a large sum of money to be his son Eric's Christmas toy for a week.
- Jack is initially reluctant to take the job, but he eventually agrees.
- Jack soon learns that Eric is a spoiled and bratty child who enjoys tormenting him.
- However, Jack also begins to develop a bond with Eric, and he teaches him the importance of friendship and respect.
- Jack and Eric eventually learn to get along, and Jack has a positive impact on Eric's life.
Trailer
Cast
- Richard Pryor as Jack Brown
- Jackie Gleason as Ulysses "U.S." Bates
- Scott Schwartz as "Master" Eric Bates
- Ned Beatty as Sydney Morehouse
- Teresa Ganzel as Fancy Bates
- Wilfrid Hyde-White as Barkley
- Annazette Chase as Angela Brown
- Virginia Capers as Ruby Simpson
- Tony King as Clifford
Director: Richard Donner
Writer: Carol Sobieski
Box Office Gross: $47,118,057
Distributor: Columbia Pictures
Genre: Comedy
Release Date: December 10, 1982