Franklyn Ajaye
Biography: Franklyn Ajaye (born May 13, 1949) is an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer. His nickname is "The Jazz Comedian" for his distinctive jazz-inflected style of delivery, timing, and use of silence. He released a series of comedy albums starting in 1973 and has acted in film and television shows from the 1970s through the present, including as a primary character in the 1976 ensemble comedy Car Wash and a supporting role in Sam Peckinpah's Convoy (1978).
Place of Birth: Not available
Birthday: May 13, 1949
Deathday: N/A
Popularity:
Known For
The Wrong Guys
1988-05-13
The Wrong Guys
Overview: Five former cub scouts have a reunion and go camping on the mountain they never conquered. High jinks ensue due to their childhood enemies and a group of escaped convicts who mistake them for an FBI unit.
Genres: Comedy Action
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-05-13
Popularity:
The 'Burbs
1989-02-17
The 'Burbs
Overview: When secretive new neighbors move in next door, suburbanite Ray Peterson and his friends let their paranoia get the best of them as they start to suspect the newcomers of evildoings and commence an investigation. But it's hardly how Ray, who much prefers drinking beer, reading his newspaper and watching a ball game on the tube expected to spend his vacation.
Genres: Comedy Horror Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-02-17
Popularity:
Fraternity Vacation
1985-12-04
Fraternity Vacation
Overview: A nerd gains the friendship of two of his frat brothers when his dad offers them his condo for the week in Palm Springs, and also offers the fraternity a hot tub and jacuzzi if they can help his son find a girl. They meet two guys from a rival fraternity, and make a bet on who can nail the Designated Babe first.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1985-12-04
Popularity:
Convoy
1978-06-27
Convoy
Overview: Trucker Rubber Duck and his buddies Pig Pen, Widow Woman and Spider Mike use their CB radios to warn one another of the presence of cops. But conniving Sheriff Wallace is hip to the truckers' tactics, and begins tricking the drivers through his own CB broadcasts. Facing constant harassment from the law, Rubber Duck and his pals use their radios to coordinate a vast convoy and rule the road.
Genres: Action Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1978-06-27
Popularity:
I Am Comic
2010-01-10
I Am Comic
Overview: Through unprecedented backstage access and candid interviews, the film weaves through the absurd world of the working comedian and reveals a crazy and hilarious psychological profile of its practitioners. We also follow retired comic Ritch Shydner's attempt to climb back on stage after a thirteen-year hiatus. At the top of his game in the 1980's, Shydner had HBO specials, shot five pilot TV shows, and numerous late night appearances (Carson, Letterman, Leno, etc.) but the big time eluded him. Equipped with the collective wisdom and nutty musings of over 80 of his peers, he gives it another shot. Does Ritch have what it takes to connect with today's young crowds and still get the laughs?
Genres: Documentary Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2010-01-10
Popularity:
Get Crazy
1983-08-05
Get Crazy
Overview: Mega-promoter Colin Beverly plans to sabotage the New Year's 1983 concert of small-time operator Max Wolfe. Wolfe's assistants Neil Allen and Willie Loman find romance while trying to save the drugs, violence, and rock and roll from Beverly's schemes.
Genres: Comedy Music
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1983-08-05
Popularity:
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
2009-01-01
Why We Laugh: Black Comedians on Black Comedy
Overview: Directors Robert Townsend and Quincy Newell offer this comprehensive and hilarious examination of the history, evolution and cultural significance of African American comedy in America, from the earliest minstrel shows to the latest HBO special. Featuring interviews with cultural critics and loads of comedic clips, this program features appearances by a who's-who of black comedians including Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Whoopi Goldberg and many more.
Genres: Comedy Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2009-01-01
Popularity:
Car Wash
1976-10-22
Car Wash
Overview: This day-in-the-life cult comedy focuses on a group of friends working at Sully Boyar's Car Wash in the Los Angeles ghetto. The team meets dozens of eccentric customers -- including a smooth-talking preacher, a wacky cab driver and an ex-convict -- while cracking politically incorrect jokes to a constant soundtrack of disco and funk. Some of the workers find romance as the day moves along, but most are just happy to get through another shift.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1976-10-22
Popularity:
Hysterical
1982-12-22
Hysterical
Overview: Frederic Lansing is a writer who hopes to find inspiration while vacationing in Hellview, Oregon; however, the lighthouse in which he's staying is haunted by the ghost of Venetia, who had killed herself 100 years ago and now wants to use Lansing as a vessel for her dead husband, Captain Howdy. When Howdy's ghost starts killing people, two bumbling scientists are brought in to investigate the history of the lighthouse and solve the case.
Genres: Horror Comedy Fantasy Family
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1982-12-22
Popularity:
Queen of the Damned
2002-02-10
Queen of the Damned
Overview: Lestat finds acceptance in a tattooed and pierced world, rekindling the desires of all-powerful Akasha.
Genres: Fantasy Horror Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2002-02-10
Popularity:
Stir Crazy
1980-12-12
Stir Crazy
Overview: New Yorkers Skip Donahue and Harry Monroe have no jobs and no prospects, so they decide to flee the city and find work elsewhere, landing jobs wearing woodpecker costumes to promote the opening of a bank. When their feathery costumes are stolen and used in a bank robbery, they no longer have to worry about employment — they're sent to prison.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-12-12
Popularity:
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
1988-09-24
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 2
Overview: Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This second riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Sinbad, David Allen Grier and Damon Wayans also star.
Genres: Comedy Documentary TV Movie
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1988-09-24
Popularity:
Before They Die!
2008-11-01
Before They Die!
Overview: Before They Die! A film chronicling the survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riot and their quest for justice.
Genres: Documentary
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2008-11-01
Popularity:
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
1987-12-19
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 1
Overview: From comedian and filmmaker Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) comes this collection of comedy sketches starring some of the biggest names in show business. Featuring Keenan Ivory Wayans, Damon Wayans, and Paul Mooney among others Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime, Vol. 1 sends up such pop-culture staples as Dynasty and Michael Jackson.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-12-19
Popularity:
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
1989-05-20
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 3
Overview: Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This third riotous volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more ribald moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Robin Harris, Tommy Davidson, Shawn Wayans and musical guest Bobby Brown also star.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-05-20
Popularity:
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
1989-09-16
Robert Townsend: Partners in Crime: Vol. 4
Overview: Director Robert Townsend (Hollywood Shuffle) knows how to construct and, when necessary, even milk a laugh for optimal effect. This fourth and final volume in the Partners in Crime collection features more moments culled from Townsend's laugh-filled HBO variety show. Franklin Ajaye, Reynaldo Rey, John Witherspoon and musical guest M.C. Hammer also star.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1989-09-16
Popularity:
Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales
1969-01-01
Uncle Tom's Fairy Tales
Overview: A white man goes on trial for having raped a black woman.
Genres: Comedy Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1969-01-01
Popularity:
The Jazz Singer
1980-12-17
The Jazz Singer
Overview: A young Jewish man is torn between tradition and individuality when his old-fashioned family objects to his career as a jazz singer.
Genres: Drama Music Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1980-12-17
Popularity:
American Yakuza
1993-12-22
American Yakuza
Overview: When Nick Davis leaves prison after one year in solitairy, he is hired to operate a forklift in a warehouse in the harbor owned by the Japanese Yakuza patriarch Isshin Tendo. The place is assaulted by the Italian Mafia lead by Dino Campanela and Nick rescues and saves the life of Shuji Sawamoto, who is the representative of Yakuza interests in America. Shuji hires Nick to work for Yakuza and becomes his godfather in the family after his oath to join Yakuza. However, Nick is a lonely FBI undercover agent assigned to penetrate the criminal organization. When the FBI discovers that Campanela is organizing a massive attack to destroy the Yakuza, Nick's boss Littman calls off the operation to leave the dirty work to the Italian Mafia. But the connection of Nick with Shuji and his goddaughter Yuko forces him to help his Japanese family.
Genres: Crime Action Thriller
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1993-12-22
Popularity:
Sweet Revenge
1976-06-06
Sweet Revenge
Overview: A young woman with a long rap sheet who steals cars for a living is befriended by a public defender who tries to steer her straight. But her goal is to steal and subsequently sell enough cars (sometimes the same car more than once) to buy a new Ferrari.
Genres: Comedy Crime
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1976-06-06
Popularity:
Hollywood Shuffle
1987-03-20
Hollywood Shuffle
Overview: Aspiring actor and hot-dog stand employee Bobby Taylor catches the ire of his grandmother for auditioning for a role in the regrettably titled exploitation film "Jivetime Jimmy's Revenge." When Tinseltown Studios casts Taylor in the title role, he has a series of conflicted dreams satirizing African-American stereotypes in Hollywood, and must reconcile his career goals with his desire to remain a positive role model for his little brother.
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1987-03-20
Popularity:
Bridesmaids
2011-05-13
Bridesmaids
Overview: Annie's life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian's maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.
Genres: Comedy Romance
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2011-05-13
Popularity:
Deadwood: The Movie
2019-05-31
Deadwood: The Movie
Overview: Follow the 10-year reunion of the Deadwood camp to celebrate South Dakota's statehood. Former rivalries are reignited, alliances are tested and old wounds are reopened, as all are left to navigate the inevitable changes that modernity and time have wrought.
Genres: Western Drama
Original Language: en
Release Date: 2019-05-31
Popularity:
Franklyn Ajaye: Upside Downunder
1990-11-16
Franklyn Ajaye: Upside Downunder
Overview: "Jazz Comedian" Franklyn Ajaye brings his urban brand of humour to Melbourne, Australia in his first SHOWTIME special FRANKLYN AJAYE: UPSIDE DOWNUNDER premiering November 16 at 11:00 PM (ET/PT).
Genres: Comedy
Original Language: en
Release Date: 1990-11-16
Popularity: