: Interestingly, seven of the eight child actors cast to ride the bus never appeared in another movie or television show again after Bustin' Loose .
The story follows Joe Braxton (played by Richard Pryor), a foul-mouthed ex-con and failed parolee who is given one final chance at redemption by his parole officer. His task is to drive a beat-up school bus filled with eight special-needs orphans from Philadelphia all the way to a new farm home in Washington State.
: The film features a soulful original soundtrack with songs performed by Roberta Flack, including contributions from R&B legends Luther Vandross and Peabo Bryson.
: The film was originally shot under the working title Family Dream . Production was famously delayed due to Pryor's life-threatening 1980 freebasing accident. He completed his scenes after recovering, filming on closed sets for his protection.
Watch a classic, emotionally resonant scene between Richard Pryor and one of the young passengers on the bus:
: It was a commercial success, grossing over $23 million during its initial theatrical run in 1981. 🚌 Plot Summary
