Savages (1972)

An allegory about humankind progresses from a savage state to a civilized form, that is only a cover for it's innate barbarism.

Director:

James Ivory

Writers:

George W.S. Trow (screenplay), Michael O'Donoghue (screenplay),

Stars:

Lewis J. Stadlen, Anne Francine, Thayer David

1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lewis J. Stadlen	...	Julian Branch, a Song Writer (as Lewis Stadlen)
Anne Francine	...	Carlotta, a Hostess
Thayer David	...	Otto Nurder, a Capitalist
Susan Blakely	...	Cecily, a Debutante
Russ Thacker	...	Andrew, an Eligible Young Man
Salome Jens	...	Emily Penning, a Woman in Disgrace
Margaret Brewster	...	Lady Cora
Neil Fitzgerald	...	Sir Harry
Eva Saleh	...	Zia, the Child
Ultra Violet	...	Iliona, a Decadent
Asha Puthli	...	Asha, The Forest Girl
Martin Kove	...	Archie, a Bully
Kathleen Widdoes	...	Leslie
Christopher Pennock	...	Hester
Sam Waterston	...	James, the Limping Man

Storyline

A tribe of primitive "mudpeople" encounter a croquet ball, rolling through their forest. Following it, they find themselves on a vast, deserted Long Island estate. Entering, they begin to become civilized and assume the stereotypical roles and dress of people at a weekend party. There follows an allegory of upper-class behavior. At last, they begin to devolve toward their original status, and after a battle at croquet, they disappear into the woods.

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Plot Keywords:

croquet | forest | tribe | croquet ball | mud people | 

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Genres:

Fantasy | Comedy

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Certificate:

R

Details

Official Sites:

Merchant Ivory Productions

Country:

USA

Language:

English German

Release Date:

21 June 1973 (France)

Also Known As:

Sauvages

Filming Locations:

Tarrytown, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$300,000 (estimated)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Merchant Ivory Productions

Technical Specs

Runtime:

106 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

First cinema film of 'Susan Blakeley'.

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Connections

Featured in The Wandering Company (1984)

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Soundtracks

"Savages"
Sung by Bobby Short
Music by Joe Raposo
Lyrics by George W.S. Trow (as George Swift Trow) and Michael O'Donoghue

User Reviews

Watch it for the savage wit of Michael O'Donoghue

Arguably one of the most bizarre films Merchant-Ivory ever produced, "Savages" is definitely a product of its times (the late '60s/early '70s), yet it still holds certain charms. James Ivory may have come up with the original idea, but it's screenwriters Michael O'Donoghue and George Swift Trow who made the most of the concept, offering up examples of all types of physical and verbal savagery.

The film's a little slow at the start -- after the opening credits it runs like a silent black and white film (with title cards and everything) for some time -- but stick around long enough and it becomes sepia-toned and finally full color as the Mud People take on the outward appearances of high society while still retaining their primitive identities.

Recommended for fans of O'Donoghue's acid wit and anyone who isn't afraid of satire.