You've Got to Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat

You've Got to Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat is a 1971 low-budget comedy-drama film directed by Peter Locke. The story concerns a young hippie and his search in New York City for the meaning of life. The film is notable for early-career appearances by several artists: Richard Pryor has a small role playing his signature "wino" character; Wes Craven made his professional debut as the film's editor; the film's soundtrack was co-written and performed by Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who went on to form Steely Dan. As of 2023 the film is considered lost, although the soundtrack survives. Plot Young idealistic hippie Carter Fields visits New York City's Central Park to try to find meaning in his life. He meets an array of strange characters, his girlfriend becomes pregnant, and he gets mixed up with a gang of pickpockets. He marries his girlfriend and finds a job in advertising on Madison Avenue. But Fields is one of life's losers: he's fired for incompetence, and his wife deserts him. He returns to Central Park with his child.