The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings (1976)

Richard Pryor, Billy Dee Williams, and James Earl Jones star in this appealing comedy about a group of black baseball players who defect from the 1930s Negro National League. The leads are based on authentic heroes Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson. The year is 1939, and Negro League baseball players Bingo Long (Williams) and Leon Carter (Jones) have had enough of the black team owners' harsh treatment. So they decide to leave their team and form one of their own. Bingo and Leon's team is a hit--that is, until the other owners pressure them into leaving the league.The All-Stars then travel rural America, playing against white teams, for white crowds. But, even though they are just as talented as their opponents (or more so), the black players must resort to comedic antics and tomfoolery on the field, in order to be accepted by audiences. Hilarious physical comedy and fine performances provide a thought-provoking balance of social issues and comedy.