Carl Gottlieb, born in 1938, is an American screenwriter whose wit and humor have shaped cult cinema. He penned the screenplay for Which Way Is Up? (1977), a film that blends comedy and social commentary, capturing the essence of the 1970s. In Doctor Detroit (1983), he further showcased his knack for blending absurdity with sharp dialogue, contributing to the film's cult status. Gottlieb's work resonates within the realms of exploitation and comedy, making him a notable figure in the landscape of cult films.
Which Way Is Up?
When he falls into a union action by mistake, Leroy Jones is laid off from his job picking oranges. The only option given to find work to provide for his wife Annie Mae, their kids, and his father Rufus, is to leave them behind and go to Los Angeles, where more jobs are available. While he is away, Leroy becomes smitten with Vanetta, a beautiful labor activist. When he returns home, he has to juggle his wife, his new romance with Vanetta, and his new job. Meanwhile, the Reverend Lenox Thomas takes advantage of Leroy's absence to cavort with Annie Mae, leading Leroy to take revenge with the reverend's wife.
