The Toy is a 1982 comedy film starring Richard Pryor as Jack Brown, a struggling journalist who ends up becoming the plaything of a wealthy businessman's son, Eric Bates (Scott Schwartz). U.S. Bates (Jackie Gleason), Eric's father, owns a successful department store chain and is amused when Eric chooses Brown as his "toy" after being offered anything in the store for his birthday.
At first, Brown is hesitant to go along with the idea of being someone's toy, especially since it means he must perform humiliating and degrading tasks for Eric's amusement. However, as Eric's loneliness and need for a real friend becomes apparent, Brown sees an opportunity to teach the young boy some valuable life lessons.
The two soon strike up an unlikely friendship, with Brown becoming a father figure for Eric and helping him navigate the challenges of growing up in a wealthy, privileged household. Along the way, Brown also confronts his own demons and learns some important lessons about friendship and values.
Although The Toy was panned by critics upon its release, it has since become something of a cult classic and is praised for its socially conscious themes and the chemistry between Pryor and Schwartz.