Good morning, your highness.
Happy birthday, your highness.
Yes, it is my birthday.
Oha, it is my 21st birthday.
Do you think perhaps, just once, I might use the bathroom by myself?
Most amusing, sir.
Wipers!
The royal penis is clean, your highness.
His highness must be very excited today.
Why is that, oha?
Today is your 21st birthday, which means you meet your wife-to-be.
Well, I'm curious, but how can a man get excited about a woman he's never seen?
He certainly is quiet this morning.
He looks sad.
Is something troubling you, my son?
No, father.
Son, please.
I'm more than the exalted ruler of this land
and the master of all I survey.
I'm also a concerned dad.
Well, father...
Just a moment.
What is he doing?
It looks as if he's coming here to talk to us.
Wait right there, akeem!
Rose bearers!
Akeem, come sit.
Now, my son...
You've grown a mustache.
Jaffe, it has been a year.
So, what is it, my son?
Well, father, first of all, it is things like this.
Like what?
What is the matter, dear? You're the son of a king.
Why should you not walk on the petals of roses?
But, mother, if there were no Rose petals, I would still be the son of a king.
Then it is settled.
From this day forth,
anyone who throws roses at my son's feet will answer to me.
Father, it is not just that. It's everything.
The cooking, the pampering, the dressing, the bathing.
Actually, I rather enjoy the bathing, but just for once,
I'd like to cook for myself, and take care of myself,
dress myself, wipe my own backside.
And why? Why can't I find my own wife?
Aha, so that's it.
We have gone to a great deal of trouble to select for you a very fine wife.
Since the day she was born,
she was taught to walk and speak and think as a queen.
But, father, what if I do not love her?
It is normal to feel anxiety about meeting your queen.
When first I met your father, I was terrified.
I must admit, I was frightened too.
I was so nervous I became nauseous,
but over the years, I have grown to love your father very much.
So you see, my son,
there is a fine line between love and nausea.
I understand, father, but when I marry, I want the woman to love me for who I am,
not because of what I am.
And who are you?
I am a man who has never tied his own shoes before.
Wrong. You are a prince who has never tied his shoes.
Believe me, I tied my own shoes once.
It is an overrated experience.
Good morning, your majesty. It is another beautiful day in zamunda.
And, semmi, what is it now?
You look especially radiant today, your grace.
Is that so, semmi?
Yes! I was remarking to my mother the other day
what lovely skin the queen has.
Semmi, do you not have somewhere you should go?
Yes. I was just about to take the birthday boy for his daily workout.
Excuse me, father, and mother.
Have a good day, my son. Yes.
Akeem, what happened to the Rose bearers?
Now let's see if you can defend yourself, you sweat from a baboon's balls.
So you say can have a woman who'll obey your every command,
but you'd rather have a woman who has an opinion?
Only dogs are to obey.
If you love your wife, you will value her opinion.
Hippopotamus shit! You're the heir to the throne of zamunda.
Your wife need only have a pretty face, a firm backside,
and big breasts like casaba melons.
So you would share your bed and your fortune with a beautiful fool?
That it is the way it has always been with men of power.
It is tradition.
It is also tradition that times must, and always do, change, my friend.
Get your royal engagement t-shirt! Royal engagement t-shirt!
Step forth! Get your royal engagement t-shirt!
These really are delicious.
Yes, thank you.
Here, try our vintage.
Your majesty.
I am colonel lzzi...
And today, with your blessing, I offer my daughter to your son.
My blessing is granted.
Let the courtship commence.
Pardon me. Step aside, please.
Coming through. Excuse me! Out of the way!
Greetings, great prince. Presenting miss Imani lzzi.
She's your queen-fo-be
a queen-to-be forever
a queen who'll do whatever
his highness desires
she's your queen-fo-be
a vision of perfection
an object of affection
to quench your royal fire
completely free from infection
to be used at your discretion
waiting only for your direction
your queen-to-be
May I talk to you alone for a moment, please?
Excuse us for a moment.
So...
Am I not all you dreamed I would be?
Oh, you're fine. Beautiful.
It's just that if we're going to be married,
I thought we should talk to each other, get to know each other.
Ever since I was born, I've been trained to serve you.
Yes, I know this. I would like to know about you.
What do you like to do?
Whatever you like.
What kind of music do you like?
Whatever kind of music you like.
And I know you know what I like
because you are trained to know what I like.
But I would like to know what you like. For instance, do you have a favorite food?
- Yes. - Good! What is your favorite food?
Whatever food you like.
This is impossible.
Listen, from this moment on, I command you not to obey me.
No.
Are you saying that no matter what I tell you to do, you will do?
Yes, your highness.
- Anything I say, you'll do? - Yes, your highness.
Bark like a dog.
A big dog.
Hop on one leg.
Make a noise like an orangutan.
I see the two of you are getting along.
Excuse me, Imani, for a moment.
Fine girl, isn't she? I told you not to worry.
Father.
About this wedding...
The guests are waiting, your majesty.
Let them wait! I'm talking to my son.
Come, let's go for a stroll.
Hello, barbar.
Time does fly fast, my son.
It seems only yesterday I ordered your first diaper changed,
and now you're a man who's about to be married.
She will give you much pleasure, don't you think?
I am not sure if I am ready.
Son, I know we never had a talk about this,
but I always assumed you had sex with your bathers.
I know I do.
It's not that, father.
It's just that I'm 21 years old, and I have never left zamunda.
I have yet to experience what the outside world has to offer.
So you want to sow your royal oats.
No, it's not that...
You're right! Get out, see the world,
enjoy yourself, fulfill every erotic desire.
And in 40 days, you will come back and marry Imani.
But, father...
It is settled.
May I have your attention, please?
The wedding will proceed in 40 days. You may go home now. Good night.
Oha, prepare the royal baggage. My son is going on a trip.
Prepare the royal baggage!
This trip is an excellent idea. Forty days of fornication.
Semmi...
I have something else in mind. Tell no one of this.
I intend to find my bride.
What is wrong with the one you have now?
When you saw her,
tell me you did not you want to rip her clothes off right then and there?
I want a woman that's going to arouse my intellect as well as my loins.
Where will you find such a woman?
In America.
The land is so big. The choice is so infinite.
Where shall we go, Los Angeles or New York?
We will let fate decide.
Heads, New York. Tails, Los Angeles.
We go to New York.
Where in New York can one find a woman with grace, elegance, taste and culture?
A woman suitable for a king.
- Queens. - Queens.
Mr. frank oznowitz, please pick up a white courtesy telephone.
Remember, semmi, no one here can know I am royalty.
We must appear to be no different than the average man.
I will not say a word.
British airways flight 929 to London is now boarding at gate 15.
Halt!
You dumb fuck!
Take us to queens at once.
Are you sure you guys want to go to queens?
A couple of rich fellows like you should be in Manhattan,
staying at the Waldorf or the palace.
The palace sounds good. Take us there.
No. I want queens. And we're not rich. We're ordinary African students.
Whatever you say, pal.
What part of queens you want?
Take us to the most common part.
That's easy.
If there's one thing queens has a lot of, it's common parts.
What does dumb fuck mean?
This shitty enough for you?
Yes, this is perfect.
Fascinating. Semmi, look at this.
America is great indeed.
Imagine a country so free, one can throw glass on the streets.
You must be out of your goddamn minds!
- You're crazy! - I am not crazy!
Listen. Real Americans!
Pound-for-pound, sugar ray Robinson's the greatest fighter ever to live.
Come on, man. What about Joe Louis?
The brown bomber. Now, that was a great boxer.
You damn right.
I suppose nobody in here ever heard of Cassius Clay?
Got a point. Cassius Clay was a bad motherfucker.
I ain't saying Clay ain't bad.
I'm just saying I stopped liking Cassius Clay
once he changed his name to Muhammad Ali. What kind of shit is that?
Wait a second. Wait a second.
A man has a right to change his name to whatever he wants to change it to.
If a man wants to be called Muhammad Ali, goddamn it, this is a free country.
You should respect his wishes, and call the man Muhammad Ali.
His mama named him Clay, I'ma call him Clay.
That's right.
- I say Clay. - Get outta here.
That's right. He gonna always be Clay to me.
I don't give a fuck what he changed his name to.
He is Clay. He Clay to me. I say Clay.
Then you're a putz, the three of you. Three putzes.
You should change the name outside from my-t-sharp to the three putzes.
Okay, now what the fuck do you want?
We desire a room.
You better not be wasting my time. You got money?
Come on in, gentlemen.
Yo, man, get the big bag. Yeah.
Excuse me if I was brusque.
Sometimes we get boo-boos in here without a dollar to their name.
Obviously, you gentlemen came in on another boat.
We seek meager accommodations.
Excuse me?
We require a room that is very poor.
Hey, stu! Your rent's due, motherfucker!
Don't be pulling that falling-down-the-stairs shit on me!
You hear? Are you conscious? Shoot.
Every month, the same damn thing. I'm telling you the truth.
All right, here we are.
There's only one bathroom on this floor, so you're going to have to share it.
We got a little bit of an insect problem, but you boys from Africa are used to that.
And another thing, don't use the elevator. It's a death trap.
This is the place I was telling you about. It's real fucked up.
Got just one window facing a brick wall. Used to rent it to a blind man.
Damn shame what they did to that dog.
We will take the room.
Yes.
Behold, semmi. Life. Real life.
A thing that we have been denied for far too long.
Good morning, my neighbors!
Hey, fuck you!
Yes, yes!
Fuck you, too!
Mighty fine.
Yeah...
- Come to my house! - Hey, wait up!
I'm beginning to suspect these are the people that have stolen our luggage.
Yo, you wanna buy some toothbrushes, man?
This is some fly personal hygiene equipment I got here, man.
And I've got a hell of hair dryer over here, too. Check it out.
Thief!
Stop, thief! Come back! Thief!
Semmi, let him go.
But those things belong to us.
We're well rid of those material things. Let them wear our princely robes.
We're in New York now. Let us dress as new yorkers.
I feel like a complete idiot.
Oh, do not be ridiculous.
You can be all the things you've... Always wanted fo be.
Beautiful. Sexy. It's easy as one, two, three.
Just let your soul glow
just let it shine through
just let your soul glow, baby
feel it oh, so silky smooth
just let it shine through
just let your soul glow
soul glo.
Perhaps I should cut off my prince's lock.
No! Yes.
You must be outta your goddamn mind!
Joe Louis was the greatest boxer to ever live!
I'll be with you boys in a minute.
He was badder than Cassius Clay, he badder than sugar ray.
He badder than... who's that new boy?
- Mike Tyson. - Mike Tyson.
Look like a bulldog. He badder than him too.
He would've whooped Mike Tyson's ass, he whoop all their asses!
What about rocky marciano?
Oh, there they go! There they go!
Every time I start talking about boxing,
a white man got to pull rocky marciano out their ass!
That's they one! That's they one! Rocky marciano! Rocky marciano!
Let me tell you something once and for all!
Rocky marciano was good, but compared to Joe Louis, rocky marciano ain't shit!
He beat Joe Louis' ass.
That's right, he did whoop Joe Louis' ass.
Joe Louis was 75 years old when they fought!
I don't know how old he was, but he got his ass whooped.
Joe Louis had come out of retirement to fight rocky marciano.
The man was 76 years old!
Joe Louis always lied about his age. He lied about his age all the time.
One time, frank Sinatra came and sat in this chair.
I said, "frank, you hang out with Joe Louis.
Just between me and you: How old is Joe Louis?"
You know what frank told me? He said, "Joe Louis is 137 years old."
A hundred and thirty-seven years old.
Oh, man, you never meet no frank Sinatra.
Fuck you, fuck you, and fuck you! Who's next?
Goddamn, boy, what's that? Some kind of a weave or something?
It is my natural hair. I have been growing it since birth.
Shit. What kind of chemical you got in there?
I have put no chemicals, only juices and berries.
Shit, that ain't nothing but ultra perm. Tell me, how do you want me to cut this?
Just make it nice and neat.
That'll be $8.
Tell me, semmi, honestly, how do I look?
I think it is time to find your queen.
I've got a secret.
I worship the devil.
See, that's the problem.
I can't find a man that can satisfy me.
Now, some guys go an hour, hour and a half, that's it.
A man's got to put in overtime for me to get off.
I'm not interested in a man unless he drives a BMW.
Yeah, well, you know, baby, I'm almost single.
My husband's on death row.
This is the first date Theresa and I have been on
since the doctor separated us.
I'm into the group thing.
I was Joan of arc in my former life.
My name is peaches and I'm the best
all the DJs want fo feel my breasts
I wanna work on videos, but really I wanna be my own star in the videos.
Because I wanna become a pop singer, and a rock singer,
and write my own songs, produce my own songs.
And then I'm gonna try an actress.
People tell me how talented I am. "I'm a natural." And stuff like that.
So, then I'm gonna write my own stories,
direct my own stories, and produce my own movies that I'm doing...
I hope you don't mind me coming over and sitting down.
But I've been watching you all evening.
And I wanna tear you apart.
And your friend, too.
Is it my imagination
or does every woman in New York have a severe emotional problem?
I doubt we will ever find your queen.
Mr. Clarence.
Hey! The boys from Africa! How y'all doing this evening?
Sir, where can one go to find nice women here?
Oh, you got to get out and look. They ain't gonna just fall in your lap.
We have been to every bar in queens.
That's where you messed up.
You can't go to no bar to find a nice woman.
You got to go to a nice place, a quiet place, like a library.
The good women in there. And... church is good girls.
Or this place here.
Where I'm going tonight, the black awareness rally.
There gonna be fine women there. Good, clean girls.
That's where I'm going. Shit.
I didn't come here to preach to you today.
But, you know, when I look at these contestants
for the miss black awareness pageant,
I feel good.
I feel good 'cause I know there's a god.
Somewhere. There's a god somewhere.
Turn around, ladies, for me, please.
You know there's a god who sits on high and looks down low.
Man cannot make it like this.
Larry flynt, Hugh Hefner, they can take the picture,
but they can't make it.
Only god above, the Hugh Hefner on high, can make it for you.
Apparently, these are the best women queens has to offer.
Pick one, and let's go home.
Be patient, my friend.
Do you love him? Do you feel joy? Say joy!
Joy!
A
Joy!
Can I get an amen?
- Amen! - Amen, brother!
Don't be ashamed to call his name.
Yes, lord!
Only god can give that woman the kind of joy she has right there.
Amen!
Make a joyful noise unto the lord!
Joy!
I am very happy to be here!
- Amen! - Amen!
Yes, sir. Can I get an amen?
Amen! Yes!
I don't know what you come to do, but...
Come to praise his name.
Lord.
Girls, you can leave now. Thank you very much.
There's a god somewhere.
I got a special treat for you this evening.
A young man that you all know as Joe the policeman
from the "what's going down" episode of that's my mama.
I want you to put your hands together and welcome him to the stage.
A big round of applause for Jackson height's own,
Mr. Randy Watson!
Yes, Randy Watson!
That boy is good.
Good and terrible.
And reverend brown.
Can we hear it for the reverend? This man's been my reverend
since I was a little boy, and I love him dearly.
You're a very special man. Reverend brown.
Reverend brown.
It's so lovely to be here. What a beautiful audience.
Give yourselves a round of applause. You're so lovely. Everyone's so lovely.
And while you're in the clapping mood, give a round of applause to my band,
sexual chocolate.
Sexual chocolate.
They play so fine, don't you agree?
I believe that children are our future
thank you.
Teach them well and let them lead the way
show them all the beauly they possess inside
give them a sense
of pride make it easier...
Some of the good stuff, right? Coming up.
Want a coke?
Enjoying the show?
Enjoy, young man.
I decided long ago
never to walk in anyone's shadow
if I fail, if I succeed
you can't take away my dignity
because the greatest
love of all
inside of me
yeah, yeah
sexual chocolate!
Sexual chocolate!
Goddamn, that boy can sing.
- You must be crazy. - He good.
You must be crazy.
Put your hands together for Mr. Randy Watson.
Yeah! One more time, Randy Watson! How about it?
Before we go any further, I'd like to thank Mr. Cleo mcdowell
who is responsible for the fine food and beverages
you've been consuming tonight.
Cleo, I know you proud of your lovely daughters, we are too.
Please welcome one of the organizers of tonight's festivities,
miss Lisa mcdowell! Lisa, come up here, baby girl.
Try to work in a plug for the new salad bar.
Daddy, I'm not mentioning the restaurant.
Well, at least give them the address.
Girl, you look so good,
somebody ought to put you on a plate, sop you up with a biscuit.
Thank you.
You know,
black awareness week is an opportunity for self-expression.
- May we leave now? - No, wait.
Randy attempted to express himself through song...
In his own unique way, but the song makes a good point.
The children are our future.
It's up to all of us to provide a place where children can express themselves.
We need to rebuild Lincoln park.
Now, ushers are passing through the aisles with donation baskets,
so please, give all you can.
Now, we're happy to get the kind of money that jingles,
but we'd rather get the kind that folds.
- Donations. This is donations. - I thought it was the trash!
- Don't be hitting on me. - Put some money in there.
- Stupid ass. - I'll whop your ass, Clarence!
- Tall, black motherfucker. - There's women up inside here.
- Come on, man. - I don't give a fuck.
Ain't nobody give me nothing.
Thank you.
She is wonderful.
Akeem...
You can see Lisa and Mr. mcdowell at mcdowell's restaurant,
8507 queens boulevard.
All right, fellas.
Now, your first job every morning will be to sweep this walkway.
Then, I want you to wash all the windows. Real good, too.
And don't leave no streaks.
What are you doing?
Get the hell out of here before I bust that camera!
Look, me and the McDonald's people, we got this little misunderstanding.
See, they're McDonald's, I'm mcdowell's.
They got the golden arches...
Mine is the golden arcs.
They got the big Mac, I got the big Mick.
We both got two all-beef patties,
special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles and onions,
but they use a sesame seed bun.
My buns have no seeds.
Hey, kid, I got it.
Now, you gotta mop the food prep area twice a day.
You know how to mop?
- Oh, yes, of course. - All right.
There you go.
Don't use the bucket, it'll just confuse you.
Now, when you get through here, you take out the trash.
Yes.
Come with me. I've got an easy job for you.
Hi!
Hello.
Hello!
Hi.
I am akeem.
It's nice to meet you, akeem.
I have recently been placed in charge of garbage.
Do you have any that requires disposal?
No, it's totally empty.
Well, when it fills up, don't be afraid to call me.
I'll come take it out most urgently.
That's good to know.
When you think of garbage, think of akeem.
Well...
I have to get back to my sanitation duties.
Maybe we'll have a chance again to talk on a professional level.
Goodbye, akeem.
Just let your soul glow, baby
feeling oh, so silky smooth
just let it shine through
just let your soul glow
soul glo.
- Darryl! - Cleo.
You're looking sharp, kid.
How about a Mick shake? I believe strawberry is your favorite.
Straw.
Lisa is in the back. She's waiting for you. Come on.
So, how's everything over at soul glo?
Fine. Our home weave products are really taking off.
Good.
By the way, dad isn't using the company tickets to the jets game.
And I thought you might enjoy them.
Darryl, that's very considerate of you. Thank you.
Lisa. Look who's here, honey.
Hi.
You two kids have a good time, you hear?
- Ready? - Sure.
Listen, I want to ask you something.
The other day at the rally,
somebody stuffed a large amount of cash into one of the collection boxes.
You wouldn't happen to know who that was, would you?
Well, I...
I thought it was you!
You know me. Anything for the kids.
- Hi, guys. - Hello.
Oh, before I forget, I got us four tickets to the St. John's game.
- Maybe your sister will bring somebody. - Great.
Hey, take care of this, will you?
Excuse me.
Hey! It's kunta kinte!
What can I do for you, boy?
Can you make my hair look like this?
What you want make your hair look like that for?
I like the way you wear your hair, natural. That's good, man.
I wish more of the young children today
would wear their hair like Dr. Martin Luther King did.
You ain't never seen Dr. Martin Luther King
with no messy jheri curl on his head.
Ain't that right? Amen.
Dr. king ain't come walking around like that.
You know, I met Dr. Martin Luther King once.
You lying. You ain't never met Dr. Martin Luther King.
Yes, I met Dr. Martin Luther King in 1962 in Memphis, Tennessee.
I was walking down the street, minding my own business, just walking.
I walk around the corner, man walk up, hit me in my chest.
I fall on the ground, look up, it's Dr. Martin Luther King.
I said, "Dr. king!" He said, "oops, I thought you were somebody else."
Oh, man. You lying. You never met Martin Luther the king.
- Knocked the wind outta me. - No, he didn't.
- Yes, he did. - No, he did not!
Why you so worried about how you look?
I am trying to gain the interest of a certain young lady.
I ain't never heard no woman giving no man no loving
'cause his hair look good.
That's right.
Is this an American girl? Yes.
You got to go through her papa. That's a big misconception.
People don't know that about American women.
Ain't got nothing to do with your hair or your pocket.
Get in good with American woman's father, you in good with her.
- Ain't that right? - He ain't lying.
That's right. Get in good with the father, you home free.
Home free.
Like a bird.
Mr. mcdowell.
What is it?
Sir, I was wondering, did you happen to catch
the professional football contest on television last night?
No, I didn't.
Oh, it was most exhilarating.
The giants of New York took on the packers of green bay.
In the end, the giants triumphed
by kicking an oblong ball made of pigskin through a big h.
It was a most ripping victory.
Son, I'm just going to tell you this one time.
Yes?
You want to keep working here, stay off the drugs.
Yes.
I don't know how it is in Africa, but here, rich guys get all the chicks.
Yes, he must work very hard.
The prince of soul glo work hard?
No way. He lives off his father's invention.
He could buy her anything he wants.
How are you gonna compete with that?
I'll get it!
Delivery for miss Lisa mcdowell.
I'll take it. I'm her sister.
Would you sign here, please?
What is it?
Something for you.
Do you mind if I open it?
You think they're real?
They couldn't be.
From an admirer. Not Darryl.
Somebody is messing around.
I am not.
I don't care how much a man admires you,
he's not going to give you earrings like that
unless you're giving him a little boo-tay!
Not everybody thinks like you, patrice.
Yes, they do. They just don't admit it.
Do you realize I have not had sex since we got to America?
Semmi, look. There she is.
I am going to talk to her.
Good. Tell her you sent the $500,000 pair of earrings.
Then she will fall into your arms, and we can leave this godforsaken place.
Oh, no, I cannot do that.
- Do something. - Do not worry, I have a plan.
What are you going to do? Mop your way into her heart?
That is not fair.
What's not fair is me doing manual labor.
I am badly in need of a manicure.
Listen to you. "I am badly in need of a manicure."
Are you going to say something?
Hey, akeem.
- Yes. - This is my sister, patrice.
- Hello! How are you? - Hi.
Akeem is from Africa.
Whatcha doin' in New York?
I'm a student.
What school are you going to?
I go to the university.
Which one?
The university of the United States.
I never heard of that.
Well, it is a small university. We do not even have a basketball team.
Really? We got an extra ticket for the St. John's game tomorrow. Wanna come?
Yes.
Good. You can double date with me and Darryl.
Yeah!
Put it! Yeah! Yes! Yes!
In his face! In his face!
Yes! In the face!
Why don't you take off your jacket, akeem?
Put it in the face, right? I like this.
Isn't that better?
Yes. Thank you very much.
Wearing clothes must be a new experience for you.
Are you able to follow the game, akeem?
Oh, yes!
I am following the game quite well.
What kind of games do y'all play in Africa?
Chase the monkey?
No, we play football. I believe you call it soccer!
Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, right. Soccer.
That's a real cute sport...
Especially the way y'all bounce that ball off your heads.
Personally, I don't like any sport where you don't use your hands.
Yes! Yes!
What are you doing? It's just the halftime.
Yes, this is my favorite part of the game. Will you excuse me for a moment, please?
Excuse me. I'll be back in a minute.
Oh, my goodness! Oh, my goodness, it is you!
I cannot believe it!
Greetings, your highness. Greetings.
Please, please, stop bowing.
I am a loyal citizen of zamunda.
But you're going to spill your beverages.
This is the greatest day of my life.
Yes. It was very nice meeting you foo. Excuse me.
Please! Please!
Please. May I just have my picture taken with you?
I will Cherish this experience for the rest of my life.
Thank you. The rest of my life.
Who was that?
Just a man I met in the restroom.
Sweetheart, why don't you quit this job?
Because I like it here.
Yeah. But you're my lady.
My lady doesn't have to work.
I'll take care of you.
I'll get you anything you want.
What can I get you?
Nothing.
I'll get you some... coffee.
- I'll be right back. - Okay.
Hey, akeem, did you have a good time at the game?
Yes, I did. Thank you.
I hope Darryl didn't offend you. Sometimes he can be pretty obnoxious.
Well, he cannot help it.
Sit down. Take a break for a minute.
Thank you.
You know, you're a very unusual guy.
I've never seen anybody take so much pride in mopping a floor.
"He who would learn to fly one day must first learn to stand and walk."
One cannot fly into flying.
That is not mine. That is Nietzsche's.
See, that's what I mean.
Most of the guys who work here don't go around quoting Nietzsche.
All right! Everybody shut up and do like I say!
Get the money out!
Stay cool! Nobody gets hurt!
Take the money out! All of it!
Don't stall me, fat boy! Let's go!
Come on! You're wasting my time! Come on! Come on, come on. Come on!
Anybody move, I'll blow your fucking head off.
What are you looking at, buddy?
Come on! Stop stalling!
Come on! Don't stall me! All of it!
Come on. Come on!
Excuse me for a moment.
It would be wise for you to put the weapon down.
Who the fuck is this asshole?
Please refrain from using any further obscenities
in the presence of these people.
What?
I've warned you. Ll be forced to thrash you.
Fuck you!
Freeze, you diseased rhinoceros pizzle.
Hey, fellas. I gotta tell ya,
I'm real proud of the job you did in there today.
You know, we've been hit by that guy five times.
I got a feeling he won't be coming back, thanks to my... African connection.
Say, leave Sunday night open.
I'm having a little get-together at my house.
You see? It is working. He has accepted us as equals.
Okay, fellas, just give them a ticket,
take their keys, park the cars down the street.
When you're finished, come inside and help in the kitchen.
Akeem, I want you to come with me.
I want to show you the inside of mcdowell's little castle.
Well, this, this here is my showplace. I think it pretty much speaks for itself.
You know something, akeem?
When I was growing up,
nine of us lived in a shack no bigger than this room.
And look what I have today.
Only wish Mrs. mcdowell could have lived to see it.
You have a fine house, sir.
Oh, well, thank you.
You know, in 20 or 30 years, with hard work,
maybe you can have a place like this for yourself.
That would be something.
Wouldn't it?
Well, this is where you're gonna be working tonight.
Ever open a champagne bottle?
I have seen it done before.
Good. Make sure you keep all the glasses full.
I better get dressed for this party.
Look around, make yourself comfortable till the guests arrive.
You see, I love the lord. You understand what I'm saying?
I love the lord.
And if loving the lord is wrong, I don't wanna be right.
Hi, Mike. Good to see ya. Glad you could make it.
Enjoy. Drink up. Ots more where that came from.
Hey, Randy, how's everything, buddy? Good to see you.
Watch out for this guy. Yo. Brother Cleo?
Big ed! My man!
You know...
I can appreciate the way you handled that dude with the gun.
I would have helped you out myself, except...
Well, I had a cup of coffee in my hand. You understand, right?
I bet you learned all that stuff fighting lions and tigers and shit.
Yes. Where I'm from, we have to be very aggressive.
I'm all for that. Especially with women.
You know, they may not admit it, but they all want a man to...
Take charge.
Tell them what to do.
That's one of the things I wanted to talk to you...
Darryl, I must tell you, your mother gets lovelier every time I see her.
Cleo, I'd like to talk to you alone for a minute.
Sure, Darryl. Excuse us.
Mom, dad, grandma.
Sure, son.
Actually, I like the fries better at McDonald's,
but I'd never tell Mr. mcdowell that.
Akeem, make sure everybody's glass is kept full.
We're about to make a very special announcement.
Yes, sir.
May I have everyone's attention, please?
Mr. and Mrs. jenks, would you please join me?
And mother jenks, you come up here, too.
I've just heard some news that makes me a very happy man.
Semmi, please.
Champagne.
- Thank you. - Thank you.
Okay. Go on. Get out of here.
Now, as you all know,
Darryl and Lisa have been going together for quite some time.
I'm pleased to announce that just a few moments ago,
Darryl here popped the big question...
And Lisa happily accepted.
So as it turns out, this has become an engagement party.
Amen. Praise the lord.
Married?
To the bride and groom.
I'm gonna pray for you.
I want you to hold onto god's unchanging hand
because he helped Joshua fight the battle of Jericho.
Yes. He helped Daniel get out of the lion's den.
He helped gilligan get off the island. Lord.
I want to talk to you now.
The next time you and my father decide to get together to plan my life,
I wish you'd let me in on it.
- It's not like... - Don't touch me.
But, baby, it's our engagement party.
Thanks.
Would you like some champagne?
No, thanks. I really don't feel like celebrating.
Wait.
Sit down and keep me company.
If you're going to hang out with me, you gotta loosen up, akeem.
Oh, I can be loose.
See?
Much better.
Are you all right?
I'm fine.
I'm not gonna be pressured into marriage, not by Darryl or my father or anybody.
I understand completely.
In my country, they arrange many marriages.
And I don't feel anyone should get married out of obligation.
You're right.
How could I have even considered marrying a guy like Darryl?
I wondered the same thing.
He just made me so furious back there.
You don't think I overreacted, do you?
The first reaction is usually the correct one.
You know, you're very easy to talk to.
I feel like I could tell you anything.
Hey, akeem, we need some more champagne over here.
I almost forgot that I was here in a domestic capacity.
Well, thanks for listening to me, akeem. I really appreciate it.
Anytime, Lisa mcdowell.
Hey, be careful.
I think my sister likes you.
Semmi.
Come now, my friend, you're going to be late for work.
So what if I am?
Semmi, we cannot afford to anger Mr. mcdowell now.
Especially since things are going so well with Lisa.
I do not care. I'm not going to work today.
Yes, you are going to work today.
I'm sick of living like a peasant. Look at this filth.
You want to live better? Fine.
Fix this place up. But you are going to work today.
- Hello! - Hi.
You know, I started on cleanup just like you guys,
but now, see, I'm washing lettuce.
Soon I'll be on fries, then the grill.
A year or two, I make assistant manager.
And that's where the big bucks start rolling in.
Just two years?
Maybe I stayed with him because everyone expected me to.
You know what I mean?
You must be tired of hearing about my problems with Darryl.
No. No, not at all.
You know, I feel like I owe you a favor.
Why don't you come to my house, and I'll fix you dinner.
Patrice will be there.
Let us go to my house.
Why?
Well, I'd like to cook for you.
You? Cook?
I dabble a little, yes.
Great. Tell you what, I'll buy the groceries.
Fine. But I have to warn you,
my home is very poor.
I don't care about that. I'd love to see where you live.
Welcome to my humble abode.
This is 2-1-2...
Akeem!
What's wrong?
Nothing's wrong.
Everything's fine. Excuse me for a moment, please.
What have you done?
You told me to fix up the place.
I should kill you. 'Why?
I'm supposed to be a poor man.
Akeem? Akeem?
Is everything all right?
Everything is fine. Excuse me. I have to tidy up.
Hey, do you smoke?
Take care of your lungs. They're only human.
What are you doing?
For god's sake, akeem, do not take my pocket money.
If you have no more money, you can cause no more mischief.
You are being unreasonable.
If you have ruined my chances with Lisa, I will never forgive you.
I am very sorry.
- Can we go in now? - Oh, no, we cannot.
Why not?
There is a rat, a big rat inside.
You know what I think? I think there is no rat.
I think you're just so ashamed of your apartment,
you can't even let me see it.
Once again, you have judged correctly.
If it bothers you that much, we can go out to eat.
That would be much better.
Excuse me for a moment, please.
What did you give him?
Oh, I just gave him some pocket change.
Randolph.
Leave me alone, Mortimer.
Randolph! Randolph!
I'm still not talking to you.
Look.
Mortimer... we're back.
Yeah.
To America.
Why'd you come here?
To find something special.
It's an awfully long way to travel.
No journey is too great when one finds what he seeks.
Does everyone in Africa talk like you?
Why? Do you not like it?
No, I love it.
It's nice to be with a man who knows how to express himself.
- Thank you! - Thank you very much!
Let's have lunch.
You have the most amazing effect on people.
No, I don't.
It's true. Look at that guy at the basketball game the other day.
People love you.
I bet where you're from,
women practically throw themselves at your feet.
Why do you say that?
Because you have a kind of inner glow, like...
You're above anything petty.
It's almost regal.
So what did you do back home?
Back home I was... I... I was in the family business back home.
What's that?
Goat herding.
- Yes, yes. - Really?
Yes. Does this surprise you?
No. It's just that you seem so educated.
Well, the life of a goat herder is not that demanding.
Goats pretty much take care of themselves,
which leaves a man with a great deal of time to read.
Please let me.
That's not right. I should pay.
Akeem, I wish you'd stop worrying about being poor.
If I wanted a wealthy guy, I'd be with Darryl...
Not you.
Would you like to dance?
Yes.
What about patrice?
I am not interested in patrice.
What about Darryl?
I am not interested in Darryl, either.
You actually want to send this?
Why? What is wrong?
Read it to me.
"To his majesty king jaffe joffer, the royal palace, zamunda.
Sire, akeem and I have depleted our funds.
Kindly send 300,000 American dollars immediately
as we are in dire straits.
Your humble servant, semi."
- Semmi. - Semmi.
Should I make it 400,000?
You think that'd be enough?
You are right. 500,000.
As long as you're asking, why don't we go for a cool million.
You do not think that would be too much?
Nah.
Okay. What's going on?
Patrice.
I came to see akeem.
What are you two involved in?
You can't afford all this stuff on your salary.
Someone fo kiss
someone fo miss
when you're away
through here gone each day
to be loved, to be loved
wow! What a feeling
to be loved...
Hey! Keep quiet down there! People are trying to sleep!
Some wish to be a king or a queen
some wish for fortune and fame
shut up!
But to be truly
truly, truly, truly loved
is more than all of these things
whoa
- shut up! - Someone fo care
someone fo share...
Where you think you are? Carnegie hall?
- Lonely hours and moments of despair... - Shut up!
- To be loved, fo be loved... - Will you shut the fuck up?
Wow, what a feeling fo be...
Semmi, I just had the most wonderful...
Oh, hi, akeem. Semmi told me everything.
Sorry things didn't work out between you and me, but you understand.
Good night...
Sweet prince.
Remember, you must not tell a soul.
Your secret is safe with me, your highness.
Bye.
If you're the prince, then who am 1?
My servant?
Boy, they smell good.
That Darryl must be spending a fortune on flowers.
Stay out of this, dad.
Where you going?
To a museum with akeem.
No, I don't like that. I don't like that one bit.
What's wrong with akeem?
Lisa, you told me yourself. He's a goat herder.
Why don't you marry Darryl?
He dresses real nice, treats you real good.
You only like Darryl because he's rich.
Lisa, I just don't want you to have to struggle the way your mother and I did.
I know.
Bye, daddy.
Bye.
Come in.
You boys wanted to see me?
Yes, Mr. townsend, we would like to change apartments.
Goddamn! What the hell have you boys done in here?
My friend, semmi, has altered the apartment
and we would like to exchange it for another.
This stuff ain't hot, is it?
Oh, of course not, sir.
It's just that I'm going to bring a young lady up,
and I cannot let her see me living like this.
I'll tell you what,
I'm gonna let you boys stay in my apartment,
and I'll move up here.
Does your apartment look poor?
Yeah, it's a real shit-hole. You'll love it.
Here are the keys. It's apartment 1A.
Downstairs, first floor.
Thank you. You are too kind. Semmi, move our things.
I have a date with Lisa! Isn't that wonderful?
Who in the hell is that?
Hey, what's up, brother?
You a little late for the Christmas pageant.
I'm king jaffe joffer, ruler of zamunda.
Yeah, well, have a seat.
Chair number two will be ready in a second.
This is beautiful. What is that? Velvet?
I have come for my son, akeem.
Come for who?
You know, kunta from up... kunta.
Oh, yeah, the boy upstairs.
Oh, yeah, yeah, him. He around here someplace.
He live upstairs on the fifth floor.
Hey! Who gonna clean up all these flowers?
You may enter.
You are not akeem.
I know that.
What is this?
A photograph.
What is this mcdowell's?
It's a place over on queens boulevard. I think he works there.
My son works?
Where is he now?
I don't know. He moved downstairs, apartment 1A.
Your majesty. What are you doing here?
I received your telegram. Where is akeem?
He went out.
So, how was your flight? Comfortable, I trust?
Your only job was to look after akeem. How could you let him come to such a pass?
Akeem will not listen to me. He's gone quite mad, your majesty.
Semmi...
You have disgraced yourself, and you must be punished.
You will confine yourself to our royal suite
at the Waldorf-astoria.
And see that he puts on some decent attire.
And I want you to bathe him thoroughly.
Oh, thank you, your majesty!
Look, zamunda. That's where you're from, isn't it?
Yes. What's it like?
You would love it there. It's the most beautiful place on earth.
The people are very friendly, and you, you, they would treat like a queen.
Akeem.
People are gonna see us.
Then let them see.
Lisa, let us go.
- Now? - Yes. Right now.
Yeah, well, look, Darryl, why don't you come by the house tonight?
Yeah, about nine o'clock.
Lisa will be home by then.
Yeah, look. Don't worry about it, buddy. We'll work something out.
Okay, see you later.
Mr. mcdowell?
Yeah?
There's some people here to see you.
They're not from McDonald's, are they?
I don't think so.
What can I do for you?
Oha.
This is king jaffe joffer, ruler of zamunda.
He is searching for his son, akeem.
Your son?
Yes, my son the prince.
A prince? Are you serious?
Prince akeem is the sole heir to the throne of zamunda.
I always knew there was something special about that boy.
Can you tell us where he might be?
Yes, he's out with my lovely daughter, Lisa.
I'm staying at the Waldorf-astoria. When you see him, call me.
I'll tell him you're here.
No.
Do not alert him to my presence. I shall deal with him myself.
For your trouble.
Well, thank you, your royalness.
A prince!
Walit. What?
We cannot go in.
Why not?
Wait in the car. I will be right back.
- We must leave. - I don't care about the apartment.
It's not that. It's just that I feel like I'm rushing you.
No, you're not.
It's better if we take our time.
But I want to.
It's better if I take you home.
Look who's here. Akeem! It's good to see you.
It is good to see you too, sir.
Come on inside. Have a little drink.
I have to get going, Mr. mcdowell.
Oh, no. You got time for one drink. Have a seat. Get out of here, dog.
You and I, we don't spend enough time talking.
Perhaps some other time, sir. I really have to get going.
Oh, no. Sit down. I'll be right back with that drink.
Yeah, king jaffe joffer's room, please.
Yeah, hello, king. Yeah, Cleo mcdowell here.
Yeah, king, both the kids are here, together.
Right. 2432 derby Avenue, Jamaica estates.
Right. Now, king, I was wondering if...
Hello, king?
I really have to go, sir.
Oh, no, no. Have a seat. Right here.
Look, did you want ice in that?
Excuse me. I'll be right back.
Well, who was that?
Jehovah's witness.
Excuse me.
Look, the girl doesn't like you anymore!
Can't you get that through your greasy head?
But you told me to come over...
Now, where were we?
I warned you, didn't I? Dottie, get him!
Sir, I really appreciate your hospitality, but I have to get going.
Oh, no. You can stay a little longer.
I just put some delicious hors d'oeuvres in the oven... son.
Let me go see if they're ready.
Lisa, I must leave.
Is something wrong, akeem?
I promise I will tell you when the time is right.
But now, I must go. Tell your father goodbye for me.
Where's akeem?
He said he had to leave.
Well, he can't leave!
What is going on?
And why are you being so nice to akeem all of a sudden?
I like the boy.
What are you up to?
What? Nothing.
Hey, a man's got a right to change his mind, doesn't he?
Daddy.
You know, you two make a beautiful couple, Lisa.
Daddy.
He's a real fine young man.
Dad!
Okay, Lisa, he's rich. He is rich!
What?
He's got his own money, and, baby, when I tell you he's got his own money,
I mean the boy has got his own money!
A prince. He's a prince!
Oh, Lisa, you did it this time. You hit the jackpot!
Your little goat herder makes Darryl look like a welfare case.
I will get out here.
That'll be nine bucks.
Semmi!
Good news, akeem. We've been rescued.
Where are my parents?
They've gone to the mcdowells' house to look for you.
Come with me.
Where we going?
Back to queens.
Well, look who's here. Come in. Come in.
Welcome to casa de mcdowell's. Come right in.
Where is akeem?
He just stepped out.
He probably went for a pizza. You know these youngsters.
This must be your lovely wife. How are you today?
Oh, very well, thank you.
I don't know whether to shake your hand, or kiss it, or bow or what?
I feel like break-dancing.
Come in. Have a seat. Take a load off. Come on.
Your son ought to be back in a minute. Here, sit down.
Here. Try the la-z-boy. It's real comfortable.
- It is very nice. - Yeah. Put your feet up.
Here you go, king. Try one of these pigs in a blanket.
They're the frozen kind, but you'd never know it.
You told me my son was here.
You know, my daughter, Lisa, might know where he went.
Akeem and Lisa have gotten quite close.
Where is your daughter? I must speak to her at once.
Lisa? There's someone here to see you, sweetheart.
This is akeem's father, the king.
I eave us.
I understand you're seeing my son.
I was seeing him.
Then he must have told you about his wife in zamunda.
He's married?
No, but he will be soon. We've already chosen his bride.
So you see, he could not be at all serious about you.
Akeem came to America to...
Sow his royal oats.
Excuse me. I need to be alone for a moment.
Are you comfortable, miss...
I'm not sure what to call you? My name's Cleo.
It is very nice to meet you, Cleo. My name is aoleon.
A-oleon... a-aleon, a...
Lisa, where you going? I want you to meet the queen.
Are you all right, my dear?
I'm sorry...
I have to get out of here.
What's the matter, baby?
Hey, what'd you say to my daughter?
I told her the truth. That akeem could not be interested in her.
How can you be so sure?
Come now. Our son cannot consort with such a girl.
Hey, now, wait a minute.
Oha.
I know you have been inconvenienced. And I am prepared to compensate you.
Shall we say one million American dollars?
- No way! - Very well, then. Two million.
You haven't got enough money to buy my daughter off.
Nonsense.
Jaffe, apologize to Mr. mcdowell.
I will do no such thing.
The man is beneath me and so is his daughter.
I don't give a damn who you are!
This is America, Jack.
Now, you say one more word about Lisa here,
and I'm gonna break my foot off in your royal ass!
Pardon me”?
What's everybody yelling about?
Their son, the prince, is in love with your sister,
but the king here, he can't handle it!
No he's not. The prince is in love with me.
Are you all right?
Yes, mother, I am fine.
Why are you hugging him? He's just the servant.
He's the prince.
Who told you that?
You mean akeem's the prince?
Yeah, and he's in love with Lisa.
How come she always gets the good ones?
Where is Lisa?
Your daddy here just ran her off.
What did you tell her?
It is of no consequence. We shall return to zamunda at once.
I will not leave without Lisa.
So you do care for her?
Mother, I love her.
Then go after her.
Akeem! Akeem, I forbid you!
Put a sock in it, jaffe. The boy is in love.
Darryl, what happened?
Lisa dumped me.
Oh, I know. You poor thing.
First thing we have to do is get you out of these wet clothes.
Stop!
Lisa!
I will be fine by myself.
Lisa, please.
I did not mean to hurt you.
Well, at least I know who gave me these.
Well, you can keep them because I don't want them...
And I don't want you.
Lisa. Lisa.
Look, just leave me alone.
Lisa, please.
I love you.
What about the woman you're supposed to marry?
I do not love her. Why do you think I came to America?
Oh, your father told me, "to sow your royal oats."
Oh, no. I came to America to find my bride.
I came to queens to find you.
So why did you lie to me, then?
Why didn't you just tell me you were a prince?
Because I wanted you to love me for who I am.
I'm not sure who you are.
I'm the man you fell in love with. Should it matter that I'm a prince?
It shouldn't, but I...
Just tell me you didn't love me when you thought I was a goat herder,
and I will never bother you again.
It just wouldn't work out. We're too different.
You're royalty, for god's sake.
You want me to renounce my throne? I will.
From this moment on, I renounce my throne! I'm no longer prince of zamunda!
I renounce my throne!
Does this make you happy?
I can't let you do that.
I do not care about my crown.
All I care about is you.
Marry me, Lisa.
So, what do you think?
Go on, honey! Take a chance!
Look. I'm sorry. I can't.
Goodbye, akeem.
If you're really a prince, I'll marry you.
Look at it this way.
At least we learned how to make French fries.
You're still not speaking to me?
I only want our son to be happy.
And so do I. Aoleon, please. It is out of our hands.
The girl told him no.
Well, after the way you treated her, who could blame her?
Even if she said yes, they still could not marry.
Well, it is a stupid tradition.
Who am I to change it?
I thought you were the king.
Your highness...
We have not come to that part yet.
Your highness... your highness...
Would you really have given up all of this just for me?
Of course. If you like, we can give it all up now.
Nah.
Hey, wait a minute. Wait a minute. Wait. Stop right there.
Listen. Stop right there a minute.
Man goes into a restaurant... You listening?
A man goes into a restaurant.
He sits down. He's having a bowl of soup.
He says to the waiter, "waiter, come, taste the soup."
Waiter says, "is there something wrong with the soup?"
He says, "taste the soup.”
He says, "is something wrong with the soup? Is it too hot?"
He says, "will you taste the soup?" "What's wrong? Is the soup too cold?"
"Will you just taste the soup?”
"All right, I'll taste the soup. Where's the spoon?"
What do you know from funny, you bastard?