Bustin’ Loose (1981): Cast, Box Office & Plot
Bustin’ Loose is a 1981 comedy drama directed by Michael Schultz and Oz Scott, starring Richard Pryor as Joe Braxton, Robert Christian and Cicely Tyson. It runs 1 hour 34 minutes and earned $31.3 million worldwide.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 34m (94 min)
- Directors
- Michael Schultz and Oz Scott
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- Universal Pictures
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Bustin’ Loose About?
The premise of Bustin’ Loose without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
After violating his parole, ex‑con Joe Braxton is handed a chance to redeem himself by driving three mentally‑handicapped children on a cross‑country road trip. The reluctant driver soon discovers the kids’ optimism and antics force him to confront his own demons, turning the assignment into a journey of humor, growth and friendship.
Bustin’ Loose Themes & Keywords
· 24 tags- road movie
- school
- teacher
- bus
- on the road
- ex convict
- bus driver
- parolee
- con artist
- universal studios
- comic relief
- farm
+12 more Show fewer
- mentally challenged
- bipolar disorder
- blindness
- thief
- parole board
- mechanic
- friendship
- convicted felon
- ku klux klan
- scam
- orphan
- pyromania
Bustin’ Loose Cast & Characters
Richard Pryor leads the cast as Joe Braxton, with Robert Christian as Donald and Cicely Tyson as Vivian Perry. Directed by Michael Schultz and Oz Scott; 38 actors are credited in all.
-
Co-director Michael Schultz - Co-director Oz Scott
-
Richard Pryor as Joe Braxton - Robert Christian as Donald
-
Cicely Tyson as Vivian Perry - Gloria Jewel Waggener as Aunt Beedee
Also Starring in Bustin’ Loose
· 34 more- Janet Wong Annie
- Edwin Kinter Anthony
- Roy Jenson Klan Leader
- George Coe Doctor Wilson T. Renfrew
- Bill Quinn Judge Antonio Runzuli
- Nick Dimitri Frank Munjak
- Paul Mooney Marvin
- Morgan Roberts Uncle Humphrey
- Peggy McCay Gladys Schuyler
- Gary Goetzman Store Manager
- Earl Billings Man at Parole Office
- Luke Andreas Loader
- Ines Pedroza Themselves
- Craig Richards Courtroom Bailiff
- Rick Sawaya Highway Patrolman #2
- Fred Carney Alfred Schuyler
Show all 38 cast members Show fewer cast members
- Vern Taylor Highway Patrolman #1
- Joe Jacobs Watchman
- Ben Gerard Man
- Matthew Clark Dwayne
- Edwin DeLeon Ernesto
- Jimmy Hughes Harold
- Ángel Ramírez Julio
- Tami Luchow Linda
- Alphonso Alexander Martin
- Kia Cooper Samantha
- Les Engel Wino
- Michael A. Esler Cop
- Paul Gardner Anchorman
- Lee Noblitt Farmer
- Shila Turna Girl in Card Game
- Jonelle White Sales Clerk
- Jewell Williams Miss Thomas
- Sunny Woods Linette Peasley
More from Michael Schultz and Oz Scott
More films directed by Michael Schultz and Oz Scott, best-rated first: Cooley High, The Last Dragon, Woman Thou Art Loosed and Greased Lightning.
Bustin’ Loose Plot Summary
What happens in Bustin’ Loose from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 3-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
Joe Braxton [Richard Pryor] is a convict who violates his parole after a failed attempt to lift a pile of televisions from a Philadelphia store. His parole officer, Robert Christian, assigns him a job that brings him into contact with schoolteacher Vivian Perry Cicely Tyson, whose city closed her school due to budget cuts.
Full summary
The whole story of Bustin’ Loose, scene by scene
Bustin’ Loose Box Office
Bustin’ Loose grossed $31.3 million worldwide.
Worldwide gross
$31.3M
- US & Canada
- $31.3M
How Well Do You Know Bustin’ Loose?
9 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 9
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
Which actor plays the convict Joe Braxton?
Cars in Bustin’ Loose
31 cars on screen, including the International Harvester Loadstar and the 1978 Cadillac Seville.
-
International Harvester Loadstar Main role -
1978 Cadillac Seville Important role -
1963 Chevrolet C-10 Important role -
1978 Dodge Aspen Minor role
Bustin’ Loose Also Known As
8 alternative titles, including “Einmal und nie wieder” and “Porontyjárat”.
- Also known as
-
- Einmal und nie wieder
- Porontyjárat
- Perdedor nato
- Rompendo Correntes
- Autobus Wolnosci
- Libertà poco vigilata
- 버스틴 루즈
- 校车司机
Seen Bustin’ Loose?
Movies Like Bustin’ Loose
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including Broadminded, Back Roads and Breaking Free.
Bustin’ Loose FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office and post-credit scenes of Bustin’ Loose, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Bustin’ Loose?
Bustin’ Loose runs 1 hour 34 minutes (94 minutes).
When was Bustin’ Loose released?
Bustin’ Loose was released on May 22, 1981.
Who directed Bustin’ Loose?
Bustin’ Loose was directed by Michael Schultz and Oz Scott.
More films by Michael Schultz Who is in the cast of Bustin’ Loose?
Bustin’ Loose stars Richard Pryor as Joe Braxton, Robert Christian as Donald and Cicely Tyson as Vivian Perry, among 38 credited actors.
How much did Bustin’ Loose make at the box office?
Bustin’ Loose grossed $31.3 million worldwide.
Does Bustin’ Loose have a post-credit scene?
No. Bustin’ Loose has no extra scene during or after the credits.
Coming soon to your phone
The Plot Explained Movie Summary App
From blockbusters to hidden gems: plot summaries, endings explained and timelines on your phone. Save your favorites and never miss a twist again.
Be the first to know when it launches. Your email stays private, always. Learn more about the app
