Stir Crazy (film)

Stir Crazy is a 1980 American comedy film directed by Sidney Poitier and starring Gene Wilder and Richard Pryor. The film centers on two friends, Skip Donahue (Wilder), a struggling playwright, and Harry Monroe (Pryor), an aspiring actor, who are wrongfully convicted of bank robbery and sent to prison.

The plot follows Skip and Harry as they attempt to survive and ultimately escape from prison. Their ineptitude and good nature lead to humorous situations and unlikely friendships with fellow inmates. The film culminates in their participation in a prison rodeo, providing a climactic opportunity for their escape and the clearing of their names.

Stir Crazy was a major box office success, becoming the first comedy to gross over $100 million domestically. It is known for its slapstick humor, the chemistry between Wilder and Pryor, and its satirical portrayal of the American prison system. Despite mixed critical reviews upon its release, the film has gained a significant cult following and is considered a classic of the buddy comedy genre.