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Happy Birthday, Wanda June (1971) More at IMDbPro »

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The Jungle Blunderbuss vs. The City Violinist, 28 September 2003
Author: karmacoupe from New York, Toronto

I can't believe only one other person has commented on this movie! I guess it must be virtually pulled from circulation. I haven't seen it for years, but i've always remembered it and have been looking for it ever since one chance viewing on late night tv.

I just thought it was brilliant but have subsequently learned that critics thought it was horrible. oh well.

it felt like a drama by a great playwright. primal man vs. refined culture. outdoorsman vs. city folk. men vs. women.

and it's played to the hilt by Steiger and William Hickey. Hickey gives one of those most wonderful, funny, quirky, memorable performances i've ever seen in a film. and Steiger very effectively makes you hate him, playing this full-of-himself a*shole to the hilt -- but who can also appeal to any burgeoning Thoreauvian, or maybe even xtreme sports enthusiast.

there are some very funny scenes involving a violin that obviously symbolizes refined culture. There's almost something of a Simpsons in this -- an adult comedic violent film version of Homer vs. Lisa.

there's gotta be some reason this has been pulled from circulation cuz it's just too good and weird to make make more frequent appearances on the second-string movie channels. if you ever get a chance to see it, i say, email me and lemmi know when it's on! and don't miss it.

William Hickey: Thanks for being here!

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