Orange picker Leroy Jones inadvertently becomes a union leader and is forced out of town, leaving behind his sex-obsessed father, Rufus, and timid spouse, Annie Mae. He heads for Los Angeles, where he falls for union organizer Vanetta. Annie Mae seeks solace from local preacher Lenox Thomas, who eventually impregnates her. When Leroy catches wind, he heads home for a showdown with Lenox.

Richard Pryor
as Leroy Jones / Rufus Jones / Rev. Lenox Thomas

Lonette McKee
as Vanetta

Margaret Avery
as Annie Mae

Morgan Woodward
as Mr. Mann

Marilyn Coleman
as Sister Sarah Thomas

Joe Turkel
as Harry Boatwright

Kathy Cronkite
as Photographer

Diane Rodriguez
as Estrella Reyes

Ernesto Hernández
as Jose Reyes

Gloria Edwards
as Janelle