You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat (1971)

Intro to "You've Got To Stroll 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 somewhat odd counterculture comedy film launched in 1971. The movie is an item of its time, showing the societal turmoils and the search for implying that characterized the era. Its location in cinematic history is strengthened by an early look by Richard Pryor, with a soundtrack supplied by a pre-fame Walter Becker and Donald Fagen, who would later on find popularity as the core members of Steely Dan.

Plot Summary
Set against the background of the 1960s hippie movement, the film informs the tale of Carter (played by Zalman King), a disenchanted young man in search of function and connection in a rapidly changing world. The story records Carter's odyssey from Wall Street to the counterculture, checking out styles of credibility, self-discovery, and societal expectations.

Fed up with the rat race and feeling an emptiness in his corporate job, Carter starts a journey to find something more meaningful in life. His quest leads him to come across different characters emblematic of the time: an extreme free-spirit woman, a city expert, and other eccentrics occupying the alternative subculture of New York City.

Carter's search is reflective of a generation's strivings, as he learns the muddle of hedonism, philosophical musings, and political activism, representing the 1960s liberties that both excited and scared mainstream America. The movie's title itself functions as a metaphor for the prevailing principles-- matching one's actions to their words or risk losing one's sense of rhythm or function in life.

Important Reception and Style
Directed by Peter Locke, "You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat" has ended up being something of a cult quirk, known more for its contributions to the careers of its participants than for the story it informs. Critics have actually noted the movie's disjointed and psychedelic design, indicative of novice filmmaking, and symptomatic of a genre explore narrative type and social commentary.

In terms of style, it oscillates in between satirical comedy and drama, with undercurrents of social realism. It catches the period's distinctive visual through its costuming, dialogue, and the gritty feel of New York's city landscape. The movie is imbued with a sort of visual and thematic rawness that sketches the state of mind of the period, complete with its existential angst and collective soul-searching.

Cultural and Historical Significance
While the movie itself might not have actually made a substantial impact seriously or economically, it stands as a cultural artifact. Its significance depends on its authentic capture of the ambiance of the period, its early indicator of the talents of Richard Pryor, and the new work of Becker and Fagen before they attained musical honor. The soundtrack by the future Steely Dan members adds a component of historical interest, mixing rock and jazz affects in a manner that would quickly become their trademark.

The existence of Pryor, though not yet in the full bloom of his comedic genius, is another point of interest. His role in the film uses a peek of the raw talent that would pertain to define his legendary profession in stand-up comedy and film.

Conclusion
While not widely acknowledged or kept in mind, "You've Got To Walk It Like You Talk It or You'll Lose That Beat" shows the spirit of a time marked by a cumulative quest for much deeper meaning in an increasingly business and pushing away society. For lovers of 1970s movie theater, the film provides a window into the age's zeitgeist and acts as an early platform for significant artists who would go on to make their mark in entertainment history. In spite of its obscurity, it catches an essential moment in time and should have a footnote in the record of American cinema for its distinct mix of satire, social commentary, and historical context.

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