Bus Riley's Back in Town (1965)A young sailor returns home to discover his girl has married an older, wealthy man. Director:Harvey HartWriter:William Inge |
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Bus Riley's Back in Town (1965)A young sailor returns home to discover his girl has married an older, wealthy man. Director:Harvey HartWriter:William Inge |
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Ann-Margret | ... |
Laurel
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| Michael Parks | ... |
Bus Riley
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| Janet Margolin | ... |
Judy
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| Brad Dexter | ... |
Slocum
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| Jocelyn Brando | ... |
Mrs. Riley
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| Larry Storch | ... |
Howie
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Crahan Denton | ... |
Spencer
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| Kim Darby | ... |
Gussie
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Brett Somers | ... |
Carlotta
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| Mimsy Farmer | ... |
Paula
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| Nan Martin | ... |
Mrs. Nichols
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Lisabeth Hush | ... |
Joy
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| Ethel Griffies | ... |
Mrs. Spencer
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Alice Pearce | ... |
Housewife
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Chet Stratton | ... |
Benii
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A young man returns home after a three year tour of duty in the navy only to find things are somewhat different from when he left. His kid sister has grown into a young woman, the job he thought was waiting for him turns out to have some unique conditions, and perhaps most importantly his former sweetheart has married a wealthy and much older man. Disillusioned, he drifts from job to job while trying hard to avoid the advances of his former girlfriend, who is unhappy in her marriage and longs for something extra. While all he wants to do is make something of his life, his will power will be put to the ultimate test. Written by Kevin Steinhauer <K.Steinhauer@BoM.GOV.AU>
This modest but cute film shows Kim Darby (Gussie) to be perhaps the most underrated actress ever. Every eye movement, every facial expression is a treasure. Her performance is simply brilliant. Why didn't she ever get more good roles? She is so natural, so believable, and has that special quality so many formula actors cannot access: the ability to make you remember and feel the real person inside yourself.
Also, Janet Margolin (Judy) gives a subtle and appropriately underplayed performance, at the same time showing her serene natural beauty at its best. What a pity she died so young!
What this film is really about is family; characters like Gussie & Judy. The role that Ann Margret plays is just a foil, and even the cover of the video shows that entirely too much attention has been focussed on her, detracting from the real value of the film.