Joe (1970)

Director:

John G. Avildsen

Writer:

Norman Wexler (written by)

Release Date:

15 July 1970 (USA)

Genre:

Drama

Tagline:

Keep America Beautiful

Plot:

Bill, a wealthy businessman, confronts his junkie daughter's drug-dealing boyfriend; in the ensuing argument...

Plot Keywords:

Bar | Drug Dealing | Factory Worker | Bathtub Scene | Hospital

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar.

Cast

Peter Boyle	...	Joe Curran
Dennis Patrick	...	Bill Compton
Audrey Caire	...	Joan Compton
Susan Sarandon	...	Melissa Compton
K Callan	...	May Lou Curran (as K. Callan)
Patrick McDermott	...	Frank Russo
Tim Lewis	...	Kid in soda shop
Estelle Omens	...	Woman in bargain store
Bob O'Connell	...	Man in bargain store
Marlene Warfield	...	Bellevue nurse
Mary Case	...	Teenage girl buying drugs
Jenny Paine	...	Teenage girl buying drugs
Reid Cruickshanks	...	American bartender
Rudy Churney	...	Man in bar
Robert Emerick	...	TV newscaster

Also Known As:

The Gap (USA) (working title)

Runtime:

107 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

Iceland:16 | Canada:R (Ontario) | Australia:R | New Zealand:R16 | Australia:MA (cable rating) | Finland:K-18 | Norway:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Trivia:

Reaction to this film disturbed actor Peter Boyle for years. He refused the lead role in The French Connection (1971) and other roles that glamorized violence after people cheered his role in this project.

Goofs:

Boom mic visible: Microphone briefly visible over Joe's head in phone booth.

Quotes:

Bill Compton: [asked if he has any spare change] No, but I've got a spare job.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in 'Serpico': From Real to Reel (2002) (V)

Mesmerizing character study

I was surprised by how emotionally invested I became in this film. Peter Boyle is a tour de force as the working class socially conservative bigot, Joe. I actually sympathized with some of his complaints. Of course he doesn't mention the underlying historical socio-economic reasons for many of his prejudices. The film also provides interesting insight into the rapid change American society was undergoing at this time. Recreational drugs, casual sex, and the challenging of parental authority became in vogue and replaced the more time honored traditions of respect for God, country and seniority. Susan Sarandon fans will be delighted. Joe is her film debut. She also provides viewers with a visual treat near the beginning of the film. Recommended, 8/10.