This stand-up comedy show from Eddie Murphy came out in the eighties, in an era where people were not constantly easily offended like they are now. It feels like you can't laugh with anything anymore now without offending somebody. I'm all for laughing at everything, it's just humor, it doesn't mean you're against something specifically. I write this because he shows starts a bit homophobic, but in the eighties it was all passable. I don't think Eddie Murphy is homophobic, not at all, so I thought it was funny, and no I'm absolutely not homophobic either. That said, Eddie Murphy knows how to bring a show, he's a born entertainer. Rewatching this old show was entertaining and that's what it's all about, good old entertainment, maybe not for everyone but surely for me.
70 Reviews
An off color comedy special delivering what is expected
StevePulaski13 July 2011
Filmed in the Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., Eddie Murphy Delirious delivers raunchy, and no limits comedy as it spits jokes at you rapid fire not even stopping for a moment so you can laugh. While a bit inferior to its successor Eddie Murphy Raw, it still manages to etch itself into the fabric of stand up comedy classics and makes you wish Eddie Murphy's lovable sense of wit and humor was incorporated more into his current films.
Now, Murphy keeps a G to PG friendly persona. Where in Delirious and Raw, he is almost sporting an NC-17 persona. He states perfectly in the special "I don't give a f*** who the f*** you are I'll make fun of you," and he does.
I love it when Murphy impersonates a typical white person. Being a Caucasian male, I laugh when he does his "white man voice" because he is honest and correct. Instead of saying "hey, just because we do that doesn't make it funny," I say "hell, that's true!" He did the same in Raw and it was just as funny.
Murphy breezes through topics like "What if Mr. T was gay?," the ice-cream man, discovering humor and the science of farts, and even attacks, at that time, President Ronald Reagan. All with good humor, and his cheesy smile to add to the nonstop comedy.
People can accuse Eddie Murphy for being too raunchy, racy, racist, hateful, discriminating, off color, dirty, arrogant, ignorant, unaware, unethical, disgusting, disturbing, foul, vulgar, etc. But what did you expect? Eddie Murphy giving a family-themed performance? That didn't start happening till Shrek came out in 2001. Also, what did you expect going into a stand up comedy special? That's like accusing George Carlin for being too obscure, or a President for being too bossy, or even water for being wet.
With two strong specials, a great smile, and a great attitude, I'm hoping we see a return to the stage in Eddie Murphy's future. Why we haven't is beyond me.
Starring: Eddie Murphy and The Bus Boys. Directed by: Bruce Gowers.
Now, Murphy keeps a G to PG friendly persona. Where in Delirious and Raw, he is almost sporting an NC-17 persona. He states perfectly in the special "I don't give a f*** who the f*** you are I'll make fun of you," and he does.
I love it when Murphy impersonates a typical white person. Being a Caucasian male, I laugh when he does his "white man voice" because he is honest and correct. Instead of saying "hey, just because we do that doesn't make it funny," I say "hell, that's true!" He did the same in Raw and it was just as funny.
Murphy breezes through topics like "What if Mr. T was gay?," the ice-cream man, discovering humor and the science of farts, and even attacks, at that time, President Ronald Reagan. All with good humor, and his cheesy smile to add to the nonstop comedy.
People can accuse Eddie Murphy for being too raunchy, racy, racist, hateful, discriminating, off color, dirty, arrogant, ignorant, unaware, unethical, disgusting, disturbing, foul, vulgar, etc. But what did you expect? Eddie Murphy giving a family-themed performance? That didn't start happening till Shrek came out in 2001. Also, what did you expect going into a stand up comedy special? That's like accusing George Carlin for being too obscure, or a President for being too bossy, or even water for being wet.
With two strong specials, a great smile, and a great attitude, I'm hoping we see a return to the stage in Eddie Murphy's future. Why we haven't is beyond me.
Starring: Eddie Murphy and The Bus Boys. Directed by: Bruce Gowers.
That's dat S*+!
bkeener-2854129 February 2020
This is a must watch if you are any kind of fan of Eddie Murphy and or a stand-up fan. Because I think this is my favorite stand up it's between this and raw both Eddie Murphy shows. This is still funny to watch now even after 36 years and it still holds up. I hope he makes a comeback like George Carlin did or Robin Williams or Adam Sandler and many others have come back around just to see if they still got it and I bet Eddie's still got it
I was at this show's taping back in '83...
grichman26 November 2003
I was 16 when my parents took me to see Eddie Murphy live in concert in Washington DC at Constitution Hall back in 1983. Unfortunately, since then I have never seen a live comedy performance come close to this one.
There is one point in the show where Eddie Murphy drops his microphone and starts laughing at what some person in the audience yells. Interestingly enough, you cannot hear it in the video. However, I know what was said by the audience because I was there.
On one side of the theatre a woman yelled, "Do Gumby!".
On the other side of the theatre, a guy yelled real loud, "Shut Up Bitch!!!".
This is what made Eddie drop his microphone and start laughing. You heard it here first. I am sure that if you asked Eddie himself, he would remember because it was too funny.
There is one point in the show where Eddie Murphy drops his microphone and starts laughing at what some person in the audience yells. Interestingly enough, you cannot hear it in the video. However, I know what was said by the audience because I was there.
On one side of the theatre a woman yelled, "Do Gumby!".
On the other side of the theatre, a guy yelled real loud, "Shut Up Bitch!!!".
This is what made Eddie drop his microphone and start laughing. You heard it here first. I am sure that if you asked Eddie himself, he would remember because it was too funny.
greatest of all time?
scottiesthlm8 December 2001
If you were ever sad for not being able to get a movie on DVD, it was probably 'Delirious' you were looking for. How often do you laugh when watching stand up comedy routines? I was too young to see Richard Pryor during his greatest time, and when I was old enough to see Eddie Murphy's 'Delirious' and 'Raw' (not as funny) I never knew where Eddie got a big part of his inspiration. Now that I'm older, and have seen both Pryor and many of the comedians after Murphy, I realize two things: Everybody STEALS from Eddie, while Eddie LOVINGLY BORROWED from Richard. That's the huge difference: Eddie was original, funny, provocative, thoughtful and more. He was something never before seen. He was all we ever needed. These days Eddie Murphy is boring and old but once upon a time he was The King, and 'Delirious' was the greatest castle ever built. Truly one of the funniest routines of all time.
Hey boy! Hey Boy! Ya look mighty cute in them jeans....
baumer31 May 2000
This is the funniest stand up I have ever seen and I think it is the funniest I will ever see. If you don't choke with laughter at the absolute hilarity, then this is just not your cup of tea. But I honestly don't know anyone who has seen this that hasn't liked it. It is now 17 years later and my friends and I still quote everything from Goonie Goo Goo to the fart game, Aunt Bunnie to the ice cream man, Ralph and Ed to GET OUT!! There are just so many individual and collective skits of hilarity in here that if you honestly haven't seen this film then you are missing out on one of the best stand-ups ever. Take any of Robin Williams, Damon Wayans, The Dice, George Carlin or even the greats like Richard Pryor or Red Foxx and this will surpass it. I don't know how or where Murphy got some of his material but it works. That is what it comes down to. It is funny as hell.
Could you imagine how this show must have shocked people that were used to Eddie doing Buckwheat and Mr. Rogers and such on SNL? If you listen to the audience when he cracks his first joke or when he says the F-word for the first time, they are in complete shock.
His first time he says the F-word is when he does the skit about Mr. T being a homosexual.
" Hey boy, hey boy. You look mighty cute in them jeans. Now come on over here, and f@** me up the ass!"
The crowd erupts in gales of laughter. No one was expecting the filthy mouth that he unleashed on them. But the results were just awesome. I have never been barraged with relentless comedy the way I was in this stand-up. In fact, the next time my stomach hurt so much from laughing wasn't until 1999 when I saw SOUTH PARK: BIGGER LONGER AND UNCUT . That comedy was raw and unapologetic and it went for the jugular, as did DELIRIOUS. I don't think it is possible to watch this piece of comic history and not laugh. It is almost twenty years later and it is still the funniest damn thing on video.
" I took your kids fishing last week. And I put the worm on the hook and the kids put the fishing pole back in the boat and slammed their heads in the water for two minutes Gus. Normal kids don't do shit like that Gus. Then they started movin their heads around like this and the m****f***** come up with fish. Then they looked at each other and said Goonie Goo Goo! I said can you believe this f****n shit?!"
See it again and be prepared to laugh your freakin ass off!
10 out of 10
Could you imagine how this show must have shocked people that were used to Eddie doing Buckwheat and Mr. Rogers and such on SNL? If you listen to the audience when he cracks his first joke or when he says the F-word for the first time, they are in complete shock.
His first time he says the F-word is when he does the skit about Mr. T being a homosexual.
" Hey boy, hey boy. You look mighty cute in them jeans. Now come on over here, and f@** me up the ass!"
The crowd erupts in gales of laughter. No one was expecting the filthy mouth that he unleashed on them. But the results were just awesome. I have never been barraged with relentless comedy the way I was in this stand-up. In fact, the next time my stomach hurt so much from laughing wasn't until 1999 when I saw SOUTH PARK: BIGGER LONGER AND UNCUT . That comedy was raw and unapologetic and it went for the jugular, as did DELIRIOUS. I don't think it is possible to watch this piece of comic history and not laugh. It is almost twenty years later and it is still the funniest damn thing on video.
" I took your kids fishing last week. And I put the worm on the hook and the kids put the fishing pole back in the boat and slammed their heads in the water for two minutes Gus. Normal kids don't do shit like that Gus. Then they started movin their heads around like this and the m****f***** come up with fish. Then they looked at each other and said Goonie Goo Goo! I said can you believe this f****n shit?!"
See it again and be prepared to laugh your freakin ass off!
10 out of 10
Best stand up comic routine EVER!
smakawhat9 July 2003
If you haven't seen this, you do not know what you are missing. The first time you do, you will litteraly be in pain lying on floor throwing up from laughing so hard, and having probably wet yourself as well.
It is THAT funny. There hasn't been a single comedic performance to this date that I have seen that tops this or even comes close. So many classic one liners, stories, and segways..
The drunken uncle at the BBQ, Gi Joe, Mr T, goony goo goo, ice cream man, you say any of these things to anyone who has seen this performance and I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts they will not be able to keep a straight face and will burst out in laughter, or recite the rest of the dialogue from the act.
Pure classic!! Shame you can't get it on DVD..
Rating 10+ out of 10
It is THAT funny. There hasn't been a single comedic performance to this date that I have seen that tops this or even comes close. So many classic one liners, stories, and segways..
The drunken uncle at the BBQ, Gi Joe, Mr T, goony goo goo, ice cream man, you say any of these things to anyone who has seen this performance and I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts they will not be able to keep a straight face and will burst out in laughter, or recite the rest of the dialogue from the act.
Pure classic!! Shame you can't get it on DVD..
Rating 10+ out of 10
"Delirious" so hilarious
Soulras26 September 2004
It should be against the law not to experience this extremely funny stand up show with Eddie Murphy. I have never seen anything like it.
Murphy goes on for almost 70 minutes about dicks, pussy, tits and insaults so many famous people including his own "family". Among the people who gets it by murphy are: Elvis, Mr.T, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Luther Vandross and James Brown. I have seriously never laughed so hard of anything my entire life. I mean, when a person doesn't know who Mr. T is, but still laughs so hard of Murphy as Mr. T, there's something about it. At the time I saw the show I couldn't remember who Mr T. was but still laughed. Now I know who he is and that just makes it so much more funny. Because that's what Eddie do - he can make those impressions so good that it don't matter who the hell he's trying to do, it's still hilarious. And on top of that, we learn that Murphy actually is a very good singer. Please watch it..
Murphy goes on for almost 70 minutes about dicks, pussy, tits and insaults so many famous people including his own "family". Among the people who gets it by murphy are: Elvis, Mr.T, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Mick Jagger, Luther Vandross and James Brown. I have seriously never laughed so hard of anything my entire life. I mean, when a person doesn't know who Mr. T is, but still laughs so hard of Murphy as Mr. T, there's something about it. At the time I saw the show I couldn't remember who Mr T. was but still laughed. Now I know who he is and that just makes it so much more funny. Because that's what Eddie do - he can make those impressions so good that it don't matter who the hell he's trying to do, it's still hilarious. And on top of that, we learn that Murphy actually is a very good singer. Please watch it..
"Delirious" is the word!
Tony B10 May 2001
I've never laughed and giggled so much in my life! The first half kept me in stitches; the last half made me come completely unglued! I think I giggled for 15 minutes after the tape was over.
His timing and delivery for his stories is almost unequaled. And though he talks fast, you catch every joke. Which is probably why my "laugh center" was so overwhelmed; it took an extra 15 minutes to laugh at everything.
His timing and delivery for his stories is almost unequaled. And though he talks fast, you catch every joke. Which is probably why my "laugh center" was so overwhelmed; it took an extra 15 minutes to laugh at everything.
This is a must watch not just for Eddie Murphy fans.
l_y_n_n112 November 2005
I watched this film a few times in the 90's and nearly split my sides laughing each time. I love Eddie Murphy as an actor, but this stand up is some thing else. He is SO funny. Even the P.C. brigade would find this hilarious. It's a must watch, and even better if you've got the guys or girls in for a drink. The take off of Michael Jackson is so like him, if you close your eyes you believe it's him singing. The things he describes are true to life and you would seriously have to have a humour bypass if you thought this was not funny. My local video stores do not stock this video any more but I would love to get my hands on a copy to show my husband and boys when they are old enough to appreciate the humour. Anyway, highly recommended, hope you enjoy.
Back when Eddie Murphy owned the mic
Mr-Fusion11 June 2014
"Delirious" takes its time getting going, and that opening homosexuals bit (doesn't go down well with the modern ear) had me steeling for disappointment. But pretty soon, the laughs come like gangbusters. Murphy does a kickass Elvis impression, and his Stevie Wonder and -especially- James Brown material is solid gold. But he really shines when he goes in on his family, the bathtub, and the backyard cookout. Genuinely funny stuff. Once his natural confidence and swagger take hold (and that's the real star here), the payoff is outstanding.
Also, it's pretty flippin' cool to have the Bus Boys open for you.
7/10
Also, it's pretty flippin' cool to have the Bus Boys open for you.
7/10
The best stand up EVER!!!
dadiego-5900612 March 2021
Painful start
RocksIMDB12 August 2019
Not so good in 2018
sarahsmith-8029327 April 2018
I made an account just to put this review on - how on Earth is this side splittingly the funniest stand up of all time? I love Eddie Murphy, he's great, great actor and still love him but we're people that easily entertained in 1983? Parts are funny but the first 15 minutes he talks about how he's scared of gays, aids and how much he gets to sleep with people. I'm not politically correct in any way but it actually isn't funny hahaha baffled at these reviews you know.
One of the funniest things I have ever seen
obiemookie26 January 2004
It seems that the majority of people who have given comments on this movie have said how funny it is. I have to agree. 100%. I was 13 when I first heard an audio tape of this, and, as you'd imagine, I was laughing so hard it made me cry. Funny thing is, I've heard the material 100 times since then, and it never loses its ability to make me laugh. Obviously this isn't for people who are offended easily...but if you can suspend your politically correct nature (trust me, I'm very PC, but I'm also able to laugh at good comedy), you'll really enjoy this. It is Eddie Murphy's crowning glory as a stand-up. It's too bad that he doesn't do stand-up any more. I'm certain most of us would love to see him have another go at it.
THE FUNNIEST MOVIE U WILL EVER SEE
urboring41-16 December 2001
I have seen my fair share of comedy and standup movies but this one is so original, so fresh, it will make you wonder why you always walked right pass it in the video store. Murphy has some pretty raunchy jokes but this is just too funny to pass. If only every movie could be this funny. it should be called "107 minutes of the most incredible comedy" Murphy is a comic genius in this film and will make you say "this is the guy that did dr. doulittle!" He talkes about the ice cream man, shoe throwing mothers, his aunt with a mustache, racism, and everything else you could possibly think of and the ones you couldnt. Please if you ever see one comedy in your life this is it, if only all movies could be Delirious.
Very f***ing funny motherf***er
Alp-37 December 1998
This video is so hilariously funny, it makes everything else
by Eddie Murphy seem very disappointing (even Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor, which just goes to show you how good this really is). To be honest, I don't think that I've ever
laughed at something as much as this, including Naked Gun and the rarely seen Bargearse. This show is amazing, although it must be said that it is certainly filled with the word beginning with F that is four letters long (plus its extended version beginning with M) but it didn't bother me. See it, the funniest thing I've ever seen and probably the funniest you ever have too.
by Eddie Murphy seem very disappointing (even Beverly Hills Cop and The Nutty Professor, which just goes to show you how good this really is). To be honest, I don't think that I've ever
laughed at something as much as this, including Naked Gun and the rarely seen Bargearse. This show is amazing, although it must be said that it is certainly filled with the word beginning with F that is four letters long (plus its extended version beginning with M) but it didn't bother me. See it, the funniest thing I've ever seen and probably the funniest you ever have too.
The Best Comedian Ever!
dustinfan-1479921 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
What can I say? I love Eddie Murphy his jokes are so funny even though some here from this show would likely be unacceptable today he still finds a way to relate to the times as shown by the Christmas skits from Saturday Night Live last December. No other comedians come close to being as funny and he is such a relatable person in general. Now from this show his jokes ranged from talking about Michael Jackson not being the most masculine guy to Elvis being the complete opposite, then poking fun at different cultures, the best part was the joke to end the show which was for kids about the bear and the rabbit when you watch the show you will know what I mean!
Stand Up at its best
buttadun28 March 2002
If you ever see a stand up comedy movie this is the one. You will laugh nonstop if you have any sense of humor at all. This is a once in a lifetime performance from a once in a lifetime performer. This is a stand up standard.
The funniest thing i have ever watched
kunti0115 April 2007
LOL!!! delirious was so funny.. i was in tears. Eddie Murphys impressions are absolutely spot on. The best impression was of James Brown and Mr T> SO FUNNY!! Its weird how Eddie Murphy was back then and how he is now DELIRIOUS is a must see but if u don't like foul language don't watch BUT AMAZING AND SO FUNNY.. i have seen it 6/7 times and still pee myself every time.. This is Eddie Murphy at his prime and you can see where he got the humour and ideas of movies such as nutty professor from. He does impressions of his family as well, which is real funny.
if only i was there...
if only i was there...
I have to watch it again every few years...
teganiz11 November 1999
This was the funniest piece of film/tape I have ever witnessed, bar none. I laughed myself sick the first three times I watched it. I recommend it to everyone, with the warning that if they can't handle the f-sharps to stay FAR away. At his best when telling stories from a kids point of view.
It was good
malesh-esm716 January 2021
Eddie Murphy at his foul mouthed, intelligent and witty best.
Cinemaniac19847 August 2015
Eddie Murphy shot to fame with Saturday Night Live and cemented his status as one of the funniest comedic actors in the 80's with movies such as 48 Hrs. (1982), Trading Places (1983), Beverly Hills Cop (1984), and Coming to America (1988). The 90's however were a mixed bag for Eddie Murphy with numerous flops affecting his star power as well as deciding to head down the family friendly path which is a total shame.
What can I say about Delirious? To sum it up, it is damn hilarious. I was in stitches throughout this entire time. You have to see it yourself, especially if you are an Eddie Murphy fan. There are far too many hilarious moments in Delirious which I just cannot describe. Nobody is spared and Eddie Murphy did not pull any punches throughout the entire show. It goes without saying that Delirious is well known for its use of strong language and strong sexual references, as well as Eddie Murphy using a total of 230 f-words.
I miss the Eddie Murphy of old which was a million miles funnier back in the day. This is Eddie Murphy which audiences knew and loved in his prime. Foul mouthed, politically incorrect, intelligent, witty comedy at its very best.
Highly recommended for all Eddie Murphy fans and anyone who loves foul mouthed, politically incorrect humour.
Certainly not recommended for anyone that is easily offended.
9/10.
What can I say about Delirious? To sum it up, it is damn hilarious. I was in stitches throughout this entire time. You have to see it yourself, especially if you are an Eddie Murphy fan. There are far too many hilarious moments in Delirious which I just cannot describe. Nobody is spared and Eddie Murphy did not pull any punches throughout the entire show. It goes without saying that Delirious is well known for its use of strong language and strong sexual references, as well as Eddie Murphy using a total of 230 f-words.
I miss the Eddie Murphy of old which was a million miles funnier back in the day. This is Eddie Murphy which audiences knew and loved in his prime. Foul mouthed, politically incorrect, intelligent, witty comedy at its very best.
Highly recommended for all Eddie Murphy fans and anyone who loves foul mouthed, politically incorrect humour.
Certainly not recommended for anyone that is easily offended.
9/10.
Deliriously funny
videorama-759-85939127 June 2014
Before Eddie Murphy Raw, we had a more raw concert movie, Eddie sporting a ruddy suit, spouting obscenities and jokes, ones that come off much cheaper, than the latter movie. This one not really suited for cinema, especially when watching the opening with the bus boys to the theme "The Boys Are Back In Town". Some of the humor is in bad taste too, like the ones set around feces and furniture, where it had me visualizing the scene, and being put off, though laughing hard. Eddie also makes a honest point with Elvis Presly's acting, before ending this topic, by feigning a fart. Like Raw, the magic is here too, but like I said, the humor comes off more cheaply, where may'be too, Eddie wasn't as polished here as in later years, if to develop more in standup. Taking pokes at many other celebrities, and doing great impressions, Eddie makes Delirious, still a very funny show, the title kind of giving emphasis to his state, when flapping his lips with all this raw material. Watch for the shot of a d..khead in the audience jumping up, raising his shirt, of course, wanting exposure, but there's only one star of this show and that's Eddie.
1983 seems like a different planet where this passed for outstandingly funny
Rob-O-Cop24 April 2018
Were people really this homophobic, Racist, sexist, domestic violence enabilising, and just so confidently unfunny in 1983? With the benefit of over 35 years of perspective on Murphy and the horrendous material he's made since this idolized standup special we of course know that the emperor has no clothes, but at the time people really though this standup routine was the bees knees. And judging from the reviews some people still do. He starts out with a massive tirade about gay men looking at his body (although he uses a much more offensive term starting with F that got my review declined when I first submitted it), he then goes on to do a bits on farts and how much sex he gets as a famous comedian, then an extended bit on, genital sizes based on ethnicity, etc, etc,
I wasn't really expecting intelligent insightful and deeply witty comedy from Murphy but the reviews lead me to believe there was something special going on here and really, there's nothing here above school boy sniggering. I admire his youthful confidence but he really doesn't have anything to offer and watched in 2018 (thank you netflix) it is cringefully bad. You can see why he went on to deliver so much bad material. Just embarrassing from his leather outfit to ever single joke he does in this set. Dated worse that 2 week old milk on a hot day, but was it ever as funny as some think it was?
I wasn't really expecting intelligent insightful and deeply witty comedy from Murphy but the reviews lead me to believe there was something special going on here and really, there's nothing here above school boy sniggering. I admire his youthful confidence but he really doesn't have anything to offer and watched in 2018 (thank you netflix) it is cringefully bad. You can see why he went on to deliver so much bad material. Just embarrassing from his leather outfit to ever single joke he does in this set. Dated worse that 2 week old milk on a hot day, but was it ever as funny as some think it was?
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