FI3. [Future] Films: Intriguing, Obscure Films, Yes! But Are They Any Good?
Submitted by dgeiser13 on Sat, 10/06/2001 - 12:44
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- 1776 (1972) ~ From the IMDB plot summary, "The film version of the Broadway musical comedy of the same name. In the days leading up to July 4, 1776, Continental Congressmen John Adams and Benjamin Franklin coerce Thomas Jefferson into writing the Declaration of Independence as a delaying tactic as they try to persuade the American colonies to support a resolution on independence. As George Washington sends depressing messages describing one military disaster after another, the businessmen, landowners and slave holders in Congress all stand in the way of the Declaration, and a single "nay" vote will forever end the question of independence. Large portions of spoken and sung dialog are taken directly from the letters and memoirs of the actual participants."
- A Broadway musical-comedy about the birth of the nation? If you would've described the above film to me I would've bet you large quantites of money that it didn't exist, and I would've lost that money. It just sounds plain bizarre to me.
- The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976) - Dr. Watson convinces Sherlock Holmes to seek a cure for his cocaine addiction from Sigmund Freud and kidnapping mystery ensues. Directed by Herbert Ross and starring Alan Arkin as Sigmund Freud, Robert Duvall as Dr. Watson, Nicol Williamson as Sherlock Holmes and Laurence Olivier as Professor Moriarty. Also Vanessa Redgrave and Joel Grey. Written by Nicholas Meyer (Writer and Director of Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan). Has anyone seen this? Does this sound good or what?
Author Comments:
(aka What Is Up With This Movie?)
That sounds great! You'll have to let me know if you get a viewing.
My lost obscure movie is The Hot Rock (1972) with Robert Redford. Based on the Donald Westlake book of the same title, it's the first of his comic crime series centered around hapless thief John Dortmunder (Redford). Apparently this one is impossible to find. I've heard Redford is suppressing it.
I'd also like to see another Dortmunder movie, Bank Shot, this time starring George C. Scott as Dortmunder (a much better choice).
I doubt either is particularly good, but they have to be better than the latest Dortmunder movie, What's the Worst That Could Happen?, which was universally panned. This one features Martin Lawrence (!) as the Dortmunder character, renamed to "Kevin Caffrey."
Anyway, all obscure, which is what brought them to mind. They aren't necessarily candidates for this list, so I guess I'm just listening to myself talk. :-)
Actually my video store used to have a laserdisc copy of The Hot Rock. I'm sure it got sold long ago when they phased out the LDs. I almost think it would be very entertaining to watch reasonable well-rated obscure films for a couple of months. Who knoes what I might end up seeing?
I don't know what thissays about me, but have seen both of these movies and liked them.
1776 is cheesy fun. William Daniels of St. Elsewhere fame (and I believe the new president of The Screen Actor's Guild) is quite good as John Adams and Ken Tucker of White Shadow fame is also very good as Jefferson. A very entertaining movie.
The Seven Per Cent Solution was also pretty good. It is one of those movies that has a great set up and not a great follow through. I would suggest a viewing if you came across it on cable but not worth seeking out.